By , ,
Published November 07, 2016
In 2015 over twenty men and two women, from all political parties, tossed their hat in the ring to bid for the highest position in the land: president of the greatest nation in the world. Our nation’s wait officially began with the Iowa caucus on February 1, 2016. Who could have ever imagined 281 days would take so long to pass?
Smear campaigns. Character assassination. Name calling like three-olds fighting over bucket in the sandbox.
One candidate promised this, while another candidate promised that. And the ads, don’t even get me started on the ads.
All this to narrow the field of nominees to four…and four nominees we have. And the wait continues as we muddle through the remaining days inundated with debates, half-truths, and mainstream media nonsense.
Our nation is divided folks, and not to be a Debbie Downer but our nation will remain divided after the wait ends November on 8.
When the votes are counted and the returns are reported half the country will be disappointed, perhaps disappointed is an understatement, while the other half of the country will be delighted, again an understatement.
Given this truth, what is our faith-based response to the wait of this monumental election?
As people of faith, we stand in church together. We share conversations over the dinner table, on the ball field, and at the bank.
We also stand on opposite sides of the proverbial political aisle. Our lives intersect before the election and will intersect after the election.
It’s imperative we work to close this divide. This is only possible by remembering the election may change who sits in the Oval Office, but it doesn’t change Who sits on the throne.
Daniel, one of the exiles from Israel, shouted a glorious and timeless a statement about God we can anchor our hearts to for such a time as this.
After interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream Daniel says, “He [God] controls the course of world events; He [God] removes kings and sets up other kings,” (Daniel 2:21a NLT).
A quick review of the Old Testament kings will demonstrate God’s divine and intentional appointment of bad kings as well as good kings. Daniel was under the authority of two “bad kings.” God revealed Himself to these kings and used them protect His people.
It isn’t about whom our leader is, it is about Who our God is, We can trust God’s control of world events, and forbid the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to divide our nation further.
This truth can give us peace and the ability to rise up and carry the banner of unity as a model for the world to see.
In addition to trusting God to raise up and depose our leader when should vote. Not voting is not an option.
In our study of the Revolutionary War, my son and I have watched the historical accounts of our fight for freedom depicted on the Fox New Series, "Legends and Lies." I’ve been reminded of the incredible sacrifice men and families made so that we can be nation of democracy and have the privilege to vote. Not voting is simple a mockery of the blood-stained battlefields.
On November 8, my candidate may win. On the other hand, your candidate may win. No matter which candidate wins, we can’t let America lose by remaining divided.
Believers must hold to the truth of Daniel 2:21 and fervently pray for the leader of our country as we wait… for the next election.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/whether-clinton-or-trump-wins-on-nov-8-we-cant-let-america-lose-by-remaining-divided