Faith Through the Journey

Yesterday I was able to hear a message by Dr. Charles Stanley that gave me some important reminders in light of this fall’s national elections. He read a number of Scripture passages that speak to God’s people about how we are to live in relation to our earthly leaders/rulers. Some are a little difficult to hear and accept, yet it IS God’s infallible Word that is given, so we must receive these words as well. In I Timothy 2:1-3, Paul writes:”I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” During the time when Paul wrote these words, the government in place was the Roman Empire, one of the cruelest, most violent governments of all time. The Roman authorities thought nothing of persecuting and even brutally murdering Christians, and yet even in those times, they were told they MUST submit to the earthly authorities. Proverbs 21:1 says: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” Throughout Scripture, there are many examples of God’s people being persecuted or held captive by earthly authorities, and yet God ALWAYS had a purpose for allowing His people to be in these places.

One of the main thoughts Dr. Stanley shared was this: if God’s people  are drawn closer to Him and challenged to live out and be bold in their faith, isn’t that a good thing? If as believers we are concerned about the direction in which our leaders take our country, it can definitely spur us to action. The MOST important thing we as the people of God are to do in relation to our leaders is to pray for them, to pray that God will allow godly men and women to hold positions of authority. As we draw near to God and seek His will and His face, that is EXACTLY where we should be. Whatever God allows in terms of earthly authorities, He ALWAYS has a plan to bring things together for the good of His people. God knows the end–he wrote the book! He does not perform random acts, but is very deliberate in carrying out His plans. He can do whatever He chooses in order to accomplish His ultimate goals. We cooperate with God when we pray according to His will and walk in obedience to His Word. If part of our obedience is to participate in choosing our leaders or even running for political office, then we can know that we are walking in the way that God has ordained. We need to be responsible citizens and vote for men and women of principle and integrity. Psalm 33:12 says:”Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chooses for His inheritance.” May God Himself continue to be Lord over the United States!