OPINION 

Immediately following the U.S. elections of Nov. 5, I embarked on a life-changing journey spanning continents — from Germany to Turkey, Morocco, and beyond.

This season of travel brought me to conferences, gatherings, and heartfelt conversations with people from diverse backgrounds.

What I experienced overwhelmed me with emotion and renewed hope: a powerful global transformation is unfolding. Hearts are changing, perspectives are shifting, and a new spirit of unity is emerging — something I never expected to see so clearly.

One unforgettable encounter happened during breakfast at a guesthouse in Morocco.

Around the table sat travelers from the Netherlands, France, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and Italy — people from vastly different cultures and political backgrounds.

As we chatted, the conversation unexpectedly turned to the recent U.S. elections.

What I heard next stunned me: celebration.

I never anticipated hearing from such a globally diverse group.

These weren’t Americans.

They didn’t share the cultural ties, partisan loyalties, or personal stakes that often color political conversations in the U.S. Yet, there they were — cheering, hopeful, and, most surprisingly, appreciative of President-elect Donald J. Trump, someone they had once misunderstood, criticized, or despised.

Driven by curiosity, I asked what had caused this dramatic shift. Their responses were passionate and unwavering, "Liberalism took ridiculous measures in America."

They spoke with frustration about cultural extremes they saw unfolding — from people identifying as animals to children being encouraged to make irreversible, life-altering decisions long before they could understand the consequences.

These weren’t political pundits parroting talking points but everyday people witnessing a world spinning out of control.

They felt a renewed sense of hope, not because of perfect policies or flawless leadership, but because they saw someone who is strong in his values enough to be willing to stand against moral confusion and defend values they thought had been lost.

Someone they once dismissed had now won their hearts — not through words but actions aligned with their longing for truth and stability.

This reminded me that God is still at work — shifting perspectives, changing hearts, and restoring what seems broken.

God is shifting favor.

Earthly powers rise and fall, but God’s authority remains unshaken and eternal.

Even the most hated can become cherished when God’s hand is upon them.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 reminds us, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Throughout my travels, I witnessed a global shift toward hope and renewed trust in leadership. What began as a personal journey quickly became a deeply spiritual experience, revealing how God works behind the scenes — reshaping perceptions, healing divisions, and stirring hearts globally.

As I return home, my heart overflows with stories of unexpected hope, redemption, and unity. I’ve seen hearts soften, enemies become allies, and cynicism transformed into belief.

I’ve witnessed nothing short of miraculous: a movement where love triumphs over hate, truth over deception, and God’s purpose over human plans.

In a world increasingly divided, we are called to bridge the divide through love, prayer, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

Political opinions may vary, but Scripture commands us to: love all people and pray for those in authority, acknowledge God’s divine laws, order, and government, and intercede for godly leadership, wise decision-making, and righteous actions.

We are entering a new era in America and the world, marked by a significant shift in leadership. As President Trump takes office, it is essential to recognize a higher truth: God deeply loves the incoming and outgoing leaders.

This truth calls we believers to love, honor, and pray for all those in positions of authority, regardless of personal opinions or political preferences.

Let us stand together in prayer, trusting God’s purposes will prevail.

While the world watches, we must remain anchored in God’s promises, trusting that even the most unexpected leaders can be used for his glory. Pray for godly counsel to surround the president and all leaders, guiding them toward justice, truth, and humility.

Isik Abla was born in Istanbul, Turkey, she now advocates for Christ and his teachings. She is also a published author, and a noted speaker.