As of the posting of this blog, we are 32 days from the General Election. I have posted several Public Service Announcements on my social media accounts to remind you and others to be ready to vote on November 5th, if you had not registered to have done so. When you get that sample ballot study it and then do the due diligence required to vote. This week I also reminded people about voting early, mail-in, and in person on November 5th. Why? Because you must exercise your right to vote. Elections have consequences.
I also shared with you the need to vote as a Christian using a Biblically responsible perspective on the candidates and the ballot issues. This will cause a challenge for you as it might for others. The reason is that the candidates or the ballot issues may not allow for a let us say, dogmatic Biblically responsible choice. You may have to decide which is the better choice as opposed to the other. Someone might ask are you saying the lesser of two evils? Honestly, yes that is exactly what I am saying.
As important as this coming election is, you might be facing some other issues. Things that are going to require your time and attention. Maybe some things that are completely out of your control. There are things you may have to do but the actual results are beyond your control. I understand so I wanted to give you some thoughts that might help you.
The first thing is to know that God has got it, no matter what it is, just like this election. All you can do is do what is within your ability and control. You could complain and say it isn't fair but that does no good. The thing to do is acknowledge God and His supremacy.
Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV tells us-
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The beginning is acknowledging He is in control.
Next, we trust God to make the appropriate provision that His will determines. We are always saying God's will be done but is that true? Well, as long as it works out the way we want we are ok with it but what if it turns out another way? Thus, as we go through anything, we can remember what C.H. Spurgeon said: "when you can't trace His hand, you must trust His heart".
Do you remember what Jesus taught the disciples and us about prayer? We find it in Matthew 6:9-10 and I will use the KJV because many of you learned the Lord's prayer in that translation:
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Think of it this way in praying “Thy will be done,” it is again acknowledging but in this manner, it is His rule in our life. We will be demonstrating trust and submission to Him. Thus, conforming to His will.
The result is our peace through whatever occurs. Please know that this does not equate to a painless event or even a restoration. However, it does provide for an opportunity through time to again know He is in control.
In Romans 8:28 Paul said-
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
That is a critical part of the peace we ask for and receive when facing uncertain times.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us-
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
None of us know what the future holds but we know who holds the future. These next few weeks will require that we trust God and be reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6 which instructs us-
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
In thirty-three days we will wake up, God willing, and this may be a very different country than it is now. Your situation may also have changed or will change. Regardless, God is still on His throne. Of course, we or you may not even be here, so remember the clock is always ticking.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
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