Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Praise God

Yes, I am saying praise God today. No, my preferred candidate did not win the election. No, I dont think America necessarily made the right choice. And no, I am not without fear about what the next four years will hold.

However, I can still praise God. I know that God has been an integral part of this entire election process, from the small town officials to the presidential campaigns. I have seen religion play a bigger part in this election than I can recall in any other election in my lifetime.

I read an article from The Christian Post.com which was discussing all the "God talk" taking place over the past year. The article ended with this statement: Earley concluded: “It’s hard to know which is worse: that candidates think that talking about religion will make evangelical Christians forget why they care about politics – or that they might be right,”

Based on the outcome of the election, it appears that his prediction came true. I am shocked at the volume of evangelical Christians across this nation who chose Obama - a man whose beliefs were sketchy at best, who is pro-abortion, pro-homosexuality, and pro-a lot of things that the bible speaks strongly against.

I am certainly not saying that McCain is a perfect man, nor without fault. We can all agree that Obama and McCain are both sinners,falling short of the glory of God, and in need of a Savior, just like you and me; however, the choice of whether or not these two men accepted that Savior should have been our deciding factor in who is going to run our nation - and the positions that were taken on the important issues, were merely a reflection of the persons true heart.

Instead of focusing on that crucial factor, many people, including faithful Christians, appear to have gotten caught up in the game of politics, and began playing the game based on the worlds rules, instead of standing up for what was right according to Gods set of rules.

Earley's statement above (Pres. of Prison Fellowship Ministries) spoke of a possibility which I believe came true today - many Christians apparently forgot that the reason we get involved with politics is to exercise the privilege and blessing of playing an important role in helping the United States of America continue to be one nation under God; to be a group whose faith is strong, and who will continue to fight for what is right in Gods eyes, and not be swayed by the changing of culture, promises to change the economy,or improve other national issues ; to be a united force who stands up for what is right because the Bible said so, not buckle to the pressures of a culture who wants everything to be deemed acceptable so people will not feel any guilt about committing sins against God or other human beings.

However, what is done is done. And what is done was apparently Gods will - and even if it wasnt Gods original plan, nonetheless, He allowed Obama to be elected. He allowed many of His children to get sucked into the belief that euphoria and problem-free living would come from electing a candidate who did not awake each morning, get on His knees, and ask for the help of the almighty Savior to make decisions to run an entire country, and impact the we world we all live in. Sad, but true.

As Christians, it is now our reponsibility, and our choice, to pray. However much we prayed before and during this election, we now need to pray ten-fold. I will be praying for Obama. I will be praying for his wife and children.

I will be praying for him to find Jesus as his personal Savior, if in deed, he has not done that, but simply led some to believe that he has. Only he and God know the answer to that question. But I intend on continuing to pray for our government, our great nation, our future, the world that my children have to look forward to.

I will pray that our new president will make some positive changes that will benefit everyone, not just some.

I will pray that he will be convicted and guided by a higher power that will help him make decisions that affect the lives of millions - those born, and those unborn.

I will pray that he will rely on the one and only God to guide Him as he sets out on this journey to run America and make history.

But regardless of what happens, I will still believe in the power of my God, and I will always believe that God uses all things to His glory. Prayers need to keep going up, today, next week, next month, two years from now - for our president, our country, our future.

I will continue to believe that God can and will use our new USA President to bring Christians back to Him, to bring the lost into His presence, and to strengthen the faith of His children by increasing our dependence on Him through difficult and trying times.

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4 (The Message)

1-2So when we couldn't stand being separated from you any longer and could find no way to visit you ourselves, we stayed in Athens and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn't be discouraged by these hard times. He's a brother and companion in the faith, God's man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ.

3-5Not that the troubles should come as any surprise to you. You've always known that we're in for this kind of thing. It's part of our calling. When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead. And now that it's happened, you know what it's like. That's why I couldn't quit worrying; I had to know for myself how you were doing in the faith. I didn't want the Tempter getting to you and tearing down everything we had built up together.

Countless passages in the bible tell us that we will have troubles; that we will have battles to fight; that our fight may seem hopeless - but God always prevails. The object of our focus and our faith is in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, and our faith will be our reward. It is important to remember that our efforts are not in vain, even if today, it seems that we have lost an important battle for the sake of Christ.

If the devil cant keep Christians from fighting the fight, he will at least try to hinder the successes of their efforts. Knowing that Gods will will always be done, even if we do not understand the situations we find ourselves in, is our motivation that is undeniable.

Regardless of who we voted for yesterday, and regardless of if your preferred candidate won or not, we can praise God. Not to say we will not experience frustrations, disappointments, and even confusion or distress - but if we believe in what Gods Word says, then we will always be able to say "Praise God".


Christians - let us stand united today. Differences do not have to divide us - we all serve the same God. Now is the time to stand up for Jesus more than ever.

Matthew 12:25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand."

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2 comments:

Charlene Kidd said...

Tracie,
Your post was great. I agree wholeheartedly. I posted on the election as well. I too will choose to pray for Obama and his family and the people he will surround himself with.
Charlene

Karen said...

Tracie -
Your words are encouraging as the reality of this election is settling in. How crushed I was to learn of the chosen candidate! As believers, we do not understand why God has allowed Mr. Obama to be chosen, but accept it is His plan. God's plans will not be thrawted. As you, and others have now spoken, yes, we must faithfully and continually pray for this man, his family and our nation. God's will be done. Thank You.