Tomorrow is Election Day in the United States, and we’re living in one of the most contentious times of my lifetime. Here are some thoughts that give me hope amid the chaos of COVID and politics:
- God is sovereign. I’ve known that simple biblical truth, but I’m clinging to it today. He raises up and brings down leaders according to His plan and will (Jer 1:10). Even if I may not understand His will, I rest in His wisdom.
- The kingdom of God is much, much, much, much bigger than America. I might have argued otherwise in my early years of ministry, but I know differently now. I’m glad.
- Jesus Christ is still the king. Regardless of who leads the United States, Jesus is still the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Tim 6:15). He reigns.
- Politics need not divide brothers and sisters in Christ. We might differ in our political choices, but the supernatural unity God creates in His family ought to remain a witness to a fractured world (John 17:20-21).
- In the end, the church will endure. I suspect that following Christ in our culture will become more costly in the years to come, regardless of who gets elected. Even if it does, though, the church will not be defeated (Matt 16:18).
- I’m still called to proclaim the Word of God. My calling that was so clear more than 40 years ago is just as clear today. I ultimately answer to the eternal God who has no end, not to an elected official with a term limit.
- I’m still an exile in a strange land, called to be the salt of the earth and a light in the darkness (1 Pet 1:9-11; Matt 5:13-16). I am to be a good citizen of the United States while recognizing that the U.S. is not my final home. I am to stand for righteousness today even as I await the return of the Son.
- Four billion+ people in the world still have little or no access to the Word of God. Frankly, that thought haunts me more than who will serve as president of the United States.
- Regardless of who wins the election, I will not respond in despair. I do fear the future of our nation, but I also confess that my fear contradicts #1 above. I want my response to honor the God who is not worried about tomorrow.
- I make a commitment to pray regularly and intentionally for our next president (1 Tim 2:1-4). As a follower of Christ, I owe my intercessory support to our nation’s next leader – beginning with prayer that he would first know Jesus. I begin today.
Just some thoughts . . . .