Americans woke up to the news that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) has decided not to seek the Office of Speaker again after a successful motion to vacate passed the House (216-210), opening up the search for a new speaker. We are grateful for Rep. McCarthy’s efforts to advance the conservative cause while he was Speaker. We are praying for him and his family and for Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina), who takes over as Speaker pro tempore.
Though a small group of Republicans thought a change was needed following a contentious battle over spending bills, the reality is that the challenges facing anyone fulfilling the role of Speaker still remain. Republicans hold a very slim majority in the House. They do not control the Senate. And Joe Biden is still President. Any conservative legislative effort must overcome these significant obstacles.
The issues facing the nation are even more challenging, which is why frustration is understandable. The crushing weight of “Bidenomics” is suffocating the American family, with record inflation and $33 trillion in debt. The politicization and weaponization of government agencies against perceived political opponents threaten our constitutional structures. Crime continues to rise. Not to mention the complete breakdown at the southern border, which has become both a humanitarian crisis and an urgent matter of national security concerns.
It is in that context, and still facing a possible government shutdown in little more than a month, that the House has been thrown into what the media is describing as “chaos.” Recall that it took Speaker McCarthy 15 rounds of voting to become Speaker.
How are we then to receive such news? How do we handle this situation?
In prayer. Concerned Women for America (CWA) believes the Scriptures reveal to us that most foundational truth, which Benjamin Franklin referenced at another “chaotic” time in our history. As he called on the assembly at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 to “humbly apply[] to the father of lights to illuminate [their] understandings,” he pointed to his age and experience, saying, “I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this Truth, that God governs in the Affairs of Men!”
Indeed, He does. The Constitutional Convention experienced the improbable success that followed Franklin’s appeal, and we too can experience a movement beyond what human eye can see if we submit the current Speaker situation to God in prayer.
We pray that God may illuminate the understanding of all involved so that conservatives may unite in their resolve to put the country first above any personal matters. We pray for courage and strength to stand for truth and righteousness. We pray for the next Speaker to be a servant aware of the challenges ahead and willing to plead to Him who alone can bring about the miraculous changes we need to see our country flourish once again.
That is how we answer. In times of “chaos,” we bring peace. We do not need to live in fear. This too shall pass. God is in control.