A few years ago, when I was still studying in college here in Manila, my father who is in the province had to go hiding because he was being hunted by the Mayor of one of the towns. That former Mayor bought five tractors – used ones that needed fixing as those were in bad conditions. His office spent millions of pesos for utilities that couldn’t be used. Mechanical technicians were even hired from Manila to fix the tractors. My father, being a Class-A Mechanic from Saudi and who is known by the town to be a very good one applied to be the one to fix the machines. However the Mayor did not accept him even though he knows very well my father’s credentials. And so my father questioned the Mayor why he needed to buy those tractors which no one, not even farmers can benefit from. That was when he was hunted down.
During that time, I didn’t know I should pray for the government officials.
When I graduated in college, I had to get some document to get hired. One time, I went to get a Police Clearance. I was being asked for P70 fee but the receipt says I only paid P20. So I asked why? And I asked politely to give me a P70-receipt. What did I get? A smacking curse in high-pitched Tagalog in front of all the people lining up to pay. It made me cry.
During that time, I hated our government.
Two years ago, I needed to get a Postal ID. Never in my life did I imagine that a very simple laminated ID would be the most expensive ID I would ever pay for. I spent P350 for that while the receipt says P175. My former officemate even said I should be thankful because in her place, she paid P500 for her Postal ID. W-O-W!
How do I force myself to be happy with our government? How?
Those are only some of my (and my family’s) many experiences concerning the government. I can list more but I guess they are dangerous to be shared. Those are experiences that make me loathe the system. But somehow I know deep down inside that there is hope for the country because first and foremost I have to remember that the LORD is the ultimate leader of the country. Like in the time of the Judges in the Old Testament, even when God raised up leaders for the Israelites, God still remained the ultimate Leader, Deliverer, Judge of that nation.
Lately I’m reminded of how important it is to pray for the leaders of our nation. Yes I know I have to respect the officials and leaders of the country but somehow at some point in different times I speak carelessly and say more negative words about them rather than speak life to them. Romans chapter 13 reminds me to act respectful towards them. What more? After reading Spiritual Warfare by Joseph Prince, I had to repent for all the words of judgment I said about them.
Sometimes I cannot force myself to be happy about the system in the country. But I realized that I actually don’t have to give a fuss over being happy or not. I just have to pray and speak the Word of God and claim it for our nation.
If we won’t pray for the officials and leaders of the country, who else will?