I do not recall ever posting, in this space, anything overtly political. Ever in ten solid years. But today, that changes. You see, I have had enough conversations over the past few months to come to the conclusion that many of you are in the same space I am in regarding the upcoming elections here in the good old US of A. If you do not live in the United States, please do not check out on this post. I believe what the Lord has given me to write this morning will be of use to you in your own situations and countries.
This post is not about Democrats or Republicans. It is not about Donald or Marco or Hillary or Ben or Bernie. It is not about caucuses or Super Tuesday or November. This post is about something so much bigger than any of that, although all of that feels very big right now.
Over the years, there have been seasons of elections that I have rejoiced over the people who were elected, and times when I have shed tears of anguish. Sometimes I wonder about the sanity of the American people, while at other times, I wholly appreciate the results of a collective vote. The opportunity to vote in an election is the God-given right of every American. My vote may not always win, but I do believe that I have a responsibility to vote. So do you, if you are an American.
Never has my heart been more pained at the possibilities that lie before us than in our current presidential election. I have cried out to God on many occasions over the past few months….”For whom do I vote, Lord?” I will go ahead and tell you that God did not give me a specific name for which to vote on Super Tuesday. What He did do is place something in my heart that encourages me greatly. This morning I want to offer you that same encouragement.
I Have a Responsibility to Vote
First, God reminded me of my responsibility as an American to VOTE. ‘Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’. I know Jesus was talking about taxation and money when He said that, but I do not believe it is wrong to extrapolate that to our political situation in America.
God Sees The Beginning From the End
Second, God whispered a beautiful reminder into my heart. God knows the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10) He is the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13) He sees the BIG picture, the entire finished piece of human history. I see only a small portion of the picture, my piece of human history.
God is in Control of It All
Third, God is in control of every election that has ever happened from the beginning of human history until He brings history to an end. Not only does He control history, but He controls those He allows to be placed in office. Let me show you:
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:20 (HCSB)
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He will. Proverbs 21:1 (ESV)
Let me give you that last verse in The Message Translation.
Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever end He chooses. Proverbs 21:1 (MSG)
God’s Purposes Will Be Accomplished
Fourth, God will use those men and women He allows to be voted into office to accomplish His purposes and bring the kingdom calendar to its final page. THAT, my friends, is the encouragement that God whispered deeply and clearly into my heart. The Bible is clear that, as the end draws near, times will grow worse. Matthew 24 is Jesus’ expose’ on the days of the end. It ain’t gonna better here on earth, folks.
I do not believe there is any indication that the United States of America is a major player in those end times. If that is true, then something(s) has to cause America to decline. I believe we are already seeing that decline. We are no longer the super-power we once were ~ militarily, financially, spiritually, politically. It is my deeply held belief that God is using each election, in the United States and around the world, to turn yet another page of the Kingdom calendar.
Does it even matter if I vote? Yes it does, and I believe God will hold every Christian accountable for the way they vote. While we may not have a BEST option for which to cast our vote, we do have the right to vote, and God will show each of us for whom we should vote. The vote may bring candidates to office who are ungodly and cause further decline to America. God’s got it. Our job is to vote and to trust His heart that He is working all things out.
So, be reminded that God is sovereign. Seek His heart for your vote, then go out and vote every time you have the opportunity. Trust God with the future.
