I have been praying for this election for weeks and months. I know my friends are praying with me. Of course, I know who I will vote for, but I have been impressed over the last few months that this election isn't just about a new leader. We can have a change in leadership, but unless the hearts of the people change, a new leader is just a new leader.
I have tried to stay out of the fray too much, and that is a hard thing for this political junkie. I have tried to stick to the facts and speak the truth in love when it is appropriate. Frankly, I have had so much more on my mind than this election, but what is on my mind comes full circle when you look at things in the light of this election, and even more importantly, in the light of eternity.
Our families are in trouble. Our children are in trouble. Our nation is in trouble. There is one reason we are in trouble. Our nation is turning away from God. It has been happening for some time, but it seems to be picking up speed and intensity. When you go through what our family has gone through, you begin to question everything. We didn't choose this path. We don't want this path, yet, here we are. Our family has been immediately impacted by the evil that this world throws at us daily. The world says that we can dabble in sin and still be fine. The world is wrong. The world tells us lies that are subtle and persuasive, but literally, deadly. Satan is having a field day deceiving Christians with things of this world that eventually leave us discontented and disillusioned.
On September 11, 2001, our nation was attacked. I have heard many trains of thoughts about why this happened. The thoughts range from sheer terrorism to the beginning of God lifting his hand of protection from our country. As disturbing as these thoughts are, I was more dismayed by the response to 9/11. Suddenly, we were united, politics didn't matter, and it was even acceptable to mention God's name on the Capitol steps....for about two whole days. The main verse we heard over and over from politicians, even Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle on the Senate floor, was out of Isaiah 9. This passage specifically talks about the judgement of the arrogance of God's people in their response to the fall of Israel.
Here is a portion of Isaiah 9.
The Lord has sent a word against Jacob, and it will fall on Israel; and all the people will know, Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart: “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.”
When our leaders began to proclaim that we would rebuild, I can't say whether or not they knew what the verse meant that they were quoting, but it was basically a warning against Israel and their prideful, arrogant ways. Our leaders, possibly unbeknownst to them, were proclaiming a warning over our nation. The rebuilding the Israelites were referring to in Isaiah 9 was defiant and rebellious. Instead of falling on their faces before God in repentance they shook their fists in His face. Sounds familiar doesn't it?
We can rebuild buildings. We can fortify security. We can do everything humanly possible to make ourselves safe and happy, but unless we return on the One who blessed this nation from the beginning, everything we do will be in vain. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
This nation needs God. This nation needs the people of God to be the people of God. This nation needs to know the love of God. We have a unique opportunity to show people how much God loves them.
My prayer for election day is that we will be Spirit led, that we will be humble, that we will be repentant. My prayer is that God will hear the cries of His people, and in His mercy and grace will continue to use this country as a beacon of light to a lost and dying world. I pray that people God's people will see the truth, and that any deception will flee in the name of Jesus. I pray that we will vote in a manner that will protect our children from the womb. I pray that we will vote for freedom. I pray that God will have his hand on this nation tomorrow as we make a decision that will impact us for years to come. I pray that the church will rise up and be the church. I pray that our hearts will be softened to the needs of others, and that we will show, not just tell people of Christ's love, grace, and forgiveness.
I know that God is not done with this nation. He has called us and equipped us to be a nation that points other nations to Him. I pray that we as a people will return to Him and fulfill the purpose He has for each of us. I pray for the next leader of our country. I pray that the spirit of God will fall on Him and the people around him like we have never seen.
I love you my friends! May His love and grace be apparent in your lives today.
