In a powerful message delivered recently, Pastor Greg Laurie, founder of the Harvest churches in California and Hawaii and of the renowned Harvest Crusades, made a bold claim regarding former President Donald Trump’s return to the political spotlight. Laurie believes that Trump’s recent election victory is no coincidence but rather part of a divine mandate for “such a time as this”—a phrase Laurie draws directly from the biblical story of Queen Esther.

Laurie’s message resonates with the biblical account of Esther, a young Jewish woman who rose to power as queen of Persia and was instrumental in saving her people from destruction. Esther’s story, Laurie argues, mirrors Trump’s unexpected elevation to political prominence, with God orchestrating circumstances to protect His people and uphold their freedoms.

This is a pivotal moment in the history our our nation. Now the election is over, as Christians we should be praying for a mighty spiritual awakening to sweep our land.

Government cannot bring revival, only God can. I don’t know about you, but I want less, not more Government.… pic.twitter.com/XuqrbvLA8m

— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) November 11, 2024

“Americans are tired of this crazy, woke agenda we’ve been dealing with for the last four years,” Laurie proclaimed in a recent social media post, referencing policies such as late-term abortion, gender-transition procedures for minors, and biological men competing in women’s sports. “I believe that God has placed President Trump in office for such a time as this.”

In Laurie’s view, Trump’s political journey, despite its challenges—including two assassination attempts—parallels that of former President Ronald Reagan, who famously survived an assassination attempt in 1981 and later saw his presidency play a key role in ending the Cold War. Laurie sees this kind of resilience and protection as evidence of God’s hand at work in Trump’s life.

This connection to Reagan also serves as a reminder of the powerful impact faith can have on a leader’s purpose and mission. According to Laurie, Trump himself believes he has been spared by God, allowing him to fulfill a crucial role in this moment of American history.

Laurie’s message underscores a deep concern for religious freedom and the pressures placed on the Christian church in recent years. He suggests that had a different candidate prevailed in the recent election, Christians might have faced greater hostility and restrictions on religious expression.

“I fear if the other party had won, we would be facing a pretty bleak scenario right now,” Laurie stated, expressing concern that government policies could have stifled Christian voices and activities. However, he also emphasized that it is not political figures but God alone who can bring about a true spiritual awakening in America. “Politics have a place, but politics and politicians will never bring a spiritual awakening to America. That is the work of God,” he said, urging believers to take advantage of the current reprieve to advance the Kingdom of God.

While affirming the importance of engaging in politics, Laurie reminded his audience of their duty as Christians to pray for all leaders, irrespective of political affiliation. In October, he even prayed at a Trump rally in Coachella, California, emphasizing afterward that he would do the same at any rally, regardless of the party, because his primary purpose is to “represent Christ” and “glorify Jesus.” Laurie emphasized that his involvement in any political event always has the intent of pointing people to Christ.

Addressing the topic of church and state, Laurie contended that the phrase “separation of church and state” is widely misunderstood, noting it was not enshrined in America’s founding documents but emerged from a personal letter by Thomas Jefferson. “The objective of Jefferson was to keep the government out of the Church, not to keep the Church out of government,” Laurie said, reinforcing his belief that Christians are called to impact their communities and the culture around them.

In his closing message, Laurie urged Christians to shine as “the light of the world” and “the salt of the Earth.” For Laurie, this is not a passive role but an active calling to permeate society with faith, hope, and truth. He sees Trump’s re-election as an opportunity for believers to reclaim their voice, live out their faith boldly, and influence the nation.