In the Empowered21 London congress announcement I read this:
"We believe God is preparing the hearts of those in Europe for an awakening of the Holy Spirit.
It is our prayer that this Congress will allow thousands of European citizens and refugees to experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit".
As I write this the referendum is just 7 weeks away.
A lot could happen in those weeks which could change the whole landscape.
Since writing the previous article on this I am now clear on how I will vote and the reasons why I will vote as I will, but its with a tinge of "I will scrub my ideas if You (Jesus) show me otherwise...".
I believe the way I have chosen is a way which will bless both the UK and Europe, it is not founded on the "what's in it for me" sales talk coming from both sides of the debate. It is also with a long term view (e.g. 20 years, if we have the courage to wait), not an ouch it might hurt next year...
This referendum is not like an election where we can hold the candidates to account for promises broken and kept. The referendum 'sales talk' is based on fear, speculation and wishful thinking. We will be stuck with the outcome with no one held accountable if things don't work out as hoped for.
You cannot rely on doing what you always do, a party you support or your favourite candidate.
Either way this vote will be a step of faith and needs an approach of prayer like no other.
The prayer should not be 'give me a convincing argument'.
The prayer should be 'Jesus, what do you want me to do', 'what is best for your Kingdom'.
There is also a bigger issue than getting worked up about the rights and wrongs of a particular vote.
St Paul wrote:
"First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. Pray for Kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honour God. This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Saviour" (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
This is not a prayer giving God a list of how we could do a better job than they...
This is not a prayer getting God's approval on a coup...
Instead he says 'ask God to help and bless them - and be thankful for them'.
Paul held a full Roman Empire passport - did he practice what he preached?
So seek God's Kingdom and He will take care of the things you are afraid of losing (Matthew 6:33).