My heart is so broken for our country after the election last week. I literally had a few days where I felt like I was mourning. Many tears were shed in this home and with some friends over the results. I'm so saddened to know that our country has so fundamentally changed that a little over half of us would elect someone who has continuously been against the moral code that our country should stand for. It saddens me that a friend has to change jobs and take a pay cut because her family can't afford the taxes they will have to pay with her current job. It makes me sad that we re-elected the most pro-abortion president we have ever had. I'm mad about the amount of taxes that we will have to pay. It terrifies me at times to think about how our health care system will look when my children are grown.
But then, I remember. My pastor sent an email to us right after the election and I have had to pour over it so many times to remember that this is not the end. We do still have so much hope. And, I'm challenged to pray for our President. My journal is filled with prayers for him. And, not just prayers that he would change. But, prayers that he would be blessed. That he would have people around him who love God and spur him on to do things and put policies in place that honor God. Most of all, I've been praying wisdom on him. Not wisdom of this world, but wisdom from God Himself. I believe in a God who is over all, in all and through all. So, I believe that He Himself is present with our president. I will pray for Obama.
Here is the email:
Dear WoodsEdge Family, The overwhelming majority of people in our community, and the overwhelming majority of our congregation, are disappointed, deeply, by the results of the Presidential Election last night. How should we as Christ-followers process this frustration? Here are a few thoughts: 1. We are unshaken because God is unshaken. The real King does not reside in Washington. He does not work on Capitol Hill. In fact, he is not of this world. The real King is the crucified and risen Savior, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the eternal Word made flesh, who is coming again, not on a donkey or on an elephant, but on a white horse. He is not worried. 2. Government is important but not all-important. Yes, we are responsible to vote and pray, to be salt and light in our culture. We are called to stand against evil and injustice. Important issues are at stake. We agree with Edmund Burke: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." That said, we also realize that the ultimate answers are not political or economic, educational or legislative. They are spiritual. They are found in Jesus Christ alone. Nothing short of widespread revival will turn our country around. We need a fresh movement of the Spirit on our land. I remind you: We have had evangelical Presidents before (which Mitt Romney is not). Men such as Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush. And yet we still have lots of abortions, enormous debt, overwhelming problems. The U.S. President has power but the power is limited. Only the power of God will bring a breakthrough. 3. Do not let disappointment become anger or bitterness. Jesus opposed injustice and evil, because he hated sin. But he lovedsinners. Sinners of all stripes and flavors. Our problem: We love sin and hate sinners. We hate (though we may not use this word) people who believe differently than we do. Yet we are called to love. To love all people, even our enemies. In fact, if we don't have love, we have nothing at all (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). May it no longer be that Christ-followers in the U.S. are known as self-righteous, condescending and judgmental. May we be known for our hearts of love! May we be known for our humble, grateful, joyful love. 4. See the big picture. During World War II, C.S. Lewis pointed out that there was a benefit to war: People are more likely to think about death and their need for God. That is true of a society in disarray and rebellion. We don't want such a society. But that's what we have and the advantage to it is that we'll be less likely to rely upon ourselves and our government, and more likely to recognize our desperate need for God. A land in sin and rebellion is a land in many ways more ripe for revival. After all, the Roman government of the first century, and the Chinese government of the 20th century, were even more rebellious, more hostile to God, than our own government today. And both of these countries, ancient Rome and modern China, saw widespread revival. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." We don't want persecution. But there are worse things. 5. Pray for your President. The Bible is clear: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). As Christians, our basic governmental responsibility is to pray for our leaders, good or bad. After all, when Paul wrote this, who was king? It was Nero, a man who would later have Paul beheaded. Church, you may be greatly disappointed. That's OK. But do not be shaken. We've seen the end of the story: Jesus Christ wins! Take joy! Trust the Lord! Pursue him, and your neighbor, with grateful love!
With much love,
Jeff
So, I remember today to trust the Lord and to know that He is the ultimate authority over all. I have confidence in this. And this alone. He is my rock and I will not trust in man, nor will I fear man, but I will trust in the One true Authority. He is over all, through all and in all.
