Tony Blair is returned to power
A Christian perspective
5 May 2005, United Kingdom ? Tony Blair wins a historic third consecutive victory for the Labour Party. Never before in her history has the Labour Party accomplished such a feat.
The Media reports of Tony Blair?s victory often lay emphasis on his cut majority, now down to 66 seats.
When we compare this to Margaret Thatcher?s majority of 41 seats when she first came to power in 1979, we get a better picture of the comfortable position Tony Blair is still in.
Tony Blair has already said he will not run another election but will almost certainly see out the most of this last term out, stepping down a year or two before it runs out.
The unwritten story of this election is the unprecedented large number of Christians worldwide who were stirred up to pray for Tony Blair.
As far away as Australia, Africa and America Christians have shared testimonies of how God prompted them to pray for him.
This is not something that coincided with the election but has been going on for the past 6 years or more. Some Christians outside the United Kingdom had even started praying for ?a Tony Blair? before realising who he actually was. God was moving people to pray.
The powers of government are ordained by God (Romans 13:1). God has an interest in the affairs of men. God knows the overall picture and often prompts people to pray that the best and most profitable path for a Nation or continent maybe followed. When we pray as the Holy Spirit leads us we get what God wants.
It is not always obvious what God is planning since it is often much bigger than the small concerns, time or people in our immediate environment.
Lets learn to be more attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, laying aside our bias and looking beyond our individual needs. We can cause God?s will to be done and His kingdom to come (Luke 11:2) as we pray according to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. No political party can do that. Political parties are not set up to do the will of God ? that is our job. Governments however can become tools in the hands of God, often unintentionally.
Lets heed the words of scripture.
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NASB)