The past few weeks have seen an unprecedented outpouring of love, sadness, and respect, following the death of Britain’s longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It has been a solemn time here in the United Kingdom, but also a time of gratitude for the faithful life and service of the late Queen.

She became Queen at the young age of 25, following the death of her father, King George VI. I cannot imagine the pressure she must have felt having to bear this duty so young, but she seemed to find a way to remain steadfast and unmoved throughout her long 70 year reign.

The Queen was a remarkable woman; a true servant leader. And she was also a woman of faith, most notably expressed during her annual Christmas messages and at various state events. She had the respect of believers and non-believers alike, which was well-earned and deserved. And the reaction of the nation at the state funeral spoke very loudly in that regard.

I have had the privilege of interacting with the Royal Family during my life, and can testify of the reality of the Queen’s faith in Jesus Christ. She was absolutely a born-again, Bible-believing, humble woman of God. Not only did she have a personal faith in Jesus, she also sought the advice of godly men such as Dr. Billy Graham and Dr. John Stott, among others.

Men of God

“No one in Britain has been more cordial toward us than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II…Almost every occasion I have been with her has been in a warm, informal setting, such as a luncheon or dinner, either alone or with a few family members or other close friends.” — Billy Graham, in his autobiography, Just As I Am.

Billy Graham met with Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions. On one of these occasions, she invited Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth, to lunch. At this meeting, the Queen shared with Dr. Graham the encouraging news that a very large number of her clergy had become born-again Christians at his 1954 Haringey crusade. This historic event had seen over 2 million people attend and an estimated 40,000 commitments to Christ. For the Queen to share this news to encourage Billy Graham tells you a lot about the substance of her faith.

The Queen also appointed Dr. John Stott, rector of All Souls Church, Langham Place (1950–1975), to be her chaplain for many years.

I enjoyed a personal relationship with both Dr. Graham and Dr. Stott during my life, and there could not have been two more godly, faithful, men of God, for the Queen to surround herself with.

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.” — Proverbs 13:20, ESV

Kings, Queens, and the King of Kings

The Queen never ceased to quietly and humbly do what she could for the King of Kings that she knew. She knew that is was the Gospel that changed lives. It will take heaven to reveal the harvest that she was instrumental in bringing about.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” — 1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV

As we prayed for Queen Elizabeth II, may we continue to fulfil this command by praying for His Majesty, King Charles III.

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Click here to listen to Graham's recent interview on Moody Radio.

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