The Rise of House Speaker Mike Johnson

Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana made headways when he seemingly out of nowhere became the Speaker of the House and the de facto leader of the Republicans in the house last October. It's as if he was God's man for the job. It is just like in Esther 4:14, where God placed Esther in her position to be able to save her people, the Jews. He is remarkably humble, well-spoken, and a man of deep faith in the Word of God.

Before Speaker Johnson was a member of Congress, he was Constitutional lawyer with the Alliance for Defending Freedom. After being elected to Congress he quickly began to rise through the ranks. "Prior to being Speaker, Mike was elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference, one of the seven elected leadership positions for Republicans in the House of Representatives, as well as Deputy Whip. He was also previously honored to serve as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress, known as 'the intellectual arsenal of conservatism in the House.'" (About | U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson (house.gov)) The quick rise of Mike Johnson is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who are serving him wholeheartedly in the position that he places them in. Per his podcast "Truth Be Told with Mike and Kelly Johnson" A podcast he shares with his wife; he stated that being faithful in the small things is what leads to God giving you responsibility in the big things. Also, he stated it is best to pray not only for God's will in "my life," but instead to just pray for "God's will" as this is for all people. His humility and desire to serve the Lord is the key to his successful rise to a position of great authority.

After replacing the former Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, he was unfairly attacked by the Media and the Left for his biblical worldview, his love for Israel, and his dedication towards conservative principles. The forces of evil never want God's people in charge, but the LORD will make sure that Speaker Johnson is able to stand firm and serve Him.

Now when it comes to the role of the Speaker, the position is not nearly as powerful as it was during the Speakership of Joseph Gurney Cannon. The role of the Speaker has been diminished because of the power that resides in the different committee chairs and the seniority of members of Congress. Many of those in the public also are quick to blame Congress for "not getting things done" because of the large spending bills and near government shutdowns that always loom. The Speaker is also tasked with having to compromise in order to pass bills, sometimes even facing opposition from some members of his own party.

The real crux of the issue when it comes to Congress not being able to accomplish anything, is the administrative state. The administrative state has assumed the largest share of government control and influence. It became in and of itself, a fourth branch of government that looms large but knows how to keep itself out of the spotlight. The administrative state needs the money from Congress in order to survive. Speaker Johnson is tasked with having to lead the agenda, which includes spending, in the House. So, even though he is a Godsend of a man for his position in Congress, he is still not going to be able to make a huge difference because business in the House will continue as it always does. The best thing to do is pray for him and to see what God will do with Speaker Johnson as we continue in this new year.