The morning after election day

The results of yesterday's election may not have been what I, and many of you, may have wanted. But nevertheless, as citizens of this nation and more importantly, as God's children, we all have an obligation to support our new president-elect, give him the respect he deserves as the future leader of our country, and most important of all, pray for him and our government.

I've included an e-mail below that was sent out this morning by the pastor of my church, Tim Atchley. He addressed this topic very well and gave me permission to post the e-mail on my blog. I hope you will read it and take its message to heart.

Thanks for the reminder, Pastor Tim!

1Timothy 2: 1 ¶ Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

This instruction was given to a generation of believers under the rule of tyrants. Some of them may have even witnessed the persecution of a loved one or themselves at the hands of the ruling authorities and yet here is Paul moved by the Holy spirit telling them to pray for these rulers.

The election may not have gone the way many of us might have hoped in our hearts and there is great speculation out there as to what awaits this great country of ours now. But for me the speculation is over. Leadership has been elected according to the process we as Americans cherish. As believers we will do ourselves and others no good if we complain and curse the new leadership. We must pray for God to guide them just as we would any other leaders. God changed the hearts of pagan leaders in favor of the Jews in Old Testament times. He caused evil leaders to turn and give favor to them for reasons they themselves did not understand. It appears that rather than satisfy the logical presumed needs of believers to have a person they think is closer to being devoted in relationship to Him, God has chosen to call His people to a place of prayer and trust that no matter who holds the highest office in our land God is still in control.

The church is called to intercede perhaps now she will do so even more. I challenge you to daily lift our new leaders up in prayer and ask for wisdom from the Almighty for them, restraint where it matters, and vision not their own but graciously imparted from the Lord Himself. If we are to continue to lead a peaceable life in all godliness and reverence this is a must for all of us. Personally I will make it my aim to eliminate remarks of a negative nature and engage God about my leaders. This is not to say that if they should choose to act immorally they should not be held accountable, I will most definitely speak the truth with regard to sound Scriptural instruction as it pertains to our leaders, but I do not wish to join in leader bashing and dooms day discussions. I think these will dishonor the Lord in that they would reveal a lack of trust in Him.

Our elections did not affect the throne from which He rules the nations, He was not taken by surprise, just as He wasn’t when Israel asked for a king. Our God reigns and is still on His throne. It is He alone who can move the heart of kings. Therefore let’s give ourselves to prayer and intercession for our leaders. God bless!