The Quiet Girl Speaks Up
October 27th, 2008 by Ashley
I may have a lot to say on a daily basis, but one thing I don’t think I’ve jumped into around here is the “P” word.
Politics.
I just have not wanted to go there. I don’t think it’s worth offending anyone with my opinions. I don’t think I’m in an informed enough position to “preach” to anyone about it. I just really have not wanted to go there.
And I’m not. This post is not to share my opinions on who you should vote for and why….not that I don’t have opinions, but like I said….
Anyway, a few days ago I recieved probably my 357th forwarded political email. I’ve been getting these things non-stop. And I won’t deny that I do my part in continuing to forward a good amount of them. But this one was different than the others. I’m sure a lot of you have already seen some version of it, but for those of you who haven’t here are TEN Predictions no Matter who Wins the Election:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
I thought this list was really great, and a really good reminder for all of us. It’s easy to listen to all of the stuff in the media and become quite overwhelmed by all of the possibilities this election holds (I know I have).
It’s also easy to get very caught up in pointing fingers and taking sides. As a Christian I know I am called to speak up against evil, but I also know that if I do that without love, it means nothing.
A few days before I recieved the above email, the Lord really convicted me of something.
I know I’ve prayed that God’s will would be done, and I think I’ve prayed for wisdom about it all, but, I have not once prayed for either of the men that are striving to be the next leader of our country.
Why is that?
Am I the only one?
Honestly, I think that subconciously, politicians are something different in my mind. I know I’ve prayed in the past eight years for our current president (although probably not nearly enough), but I have never once considered praying for the men running for office right now.
I think that one candidate I’ve just written off as depressing, but the only option. The other….I think while the liberal media has been busy deifying him, I’ve taken the opposing view. Seeing him as quite evil, and with all the hype about him, seeing him as the ULTIMATE evil, to be feared above all else.
What the Lord really impressed on my heart is that I need to see both of these men for what they really are: sinful men in need of a Saviour.
Is my faith in Jesus so small that I don’t think He can save the most stubbornly lost of souls?
I know both of the candidates profess to be men of “faith”, but I think we all know that most of their beliefs do not show evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, and that if they have truly believed at one point, they have since strayed….
But I have been so busy seeking out all their flaws, just so I can prove my case against them.
It’s not my job to judge.
What if every one of us who has been so quick to critcize, instead took each word we hear against them as an opportunity to pray? For their eyes to be opened, for their hearts to be softened, for them to be broken and surrendered before the God of all creation.
What might happen?
One of these men will soon hold the highest position of authority in our country. And I know that God has a plan, and He will use all things for His glory. What if He’s been trying to use me, and I’ve been too busy with my own agenda? What if He’s been calling me to pray and I’ve been too busy hearing the sound of my own voice?
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God
2 Corinthians 10:3-5a
I most definitely have been coming to this “battle” in the flesh. And I can tell you it has brought me absolutely no peace, no comfort, no hope. What would I have found if I had only come to God first? Peace that surpasses all understanding, the God of all comfort, hope that does not dissapoint. Doesn’t seem like too difficult of a choice does it?
A couple of examples come to mind from the Bible.
In our ladies Bible study this year we have been studying the book of Nehemiah, and it has been amazing. Nehemiah was a man who followed God with his whole heart. And what did he do when he was told of the distressing state of Jerusalem?
So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah’s first response was prayer.
Another example, one my husband pointed out recently, is Daniel. In Daniel chapter 6 we see the government officials set Daniel up by persuading the king into signing a decree that anyone who petitions any god other than the king will be put to death. What happens?
Now when Daniel knew the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
Daniel 6:10
God has given us such clear examples in His word of what He desires from us. In this case the answer is quite simple: PRAY. What do we know? Maybe God has allowed this whole political situation just to shake up all of us comfortable Americans and draw us to seek Him more. To trust Him more, and to follow Him more.
I need to wrap this up because it is WAY too long, but I just want to say I’m not trying to tell anyone else what to do. I just know what God is telling me to do. He loves these men just as much as He loves me. He died for those men just like He died for me. And I need to pray that by the grace of God they will find His wonderful gift of salvation just as I have.
So I have just one question for you.
Have you prayed for your future president today?
Posted in Philosophizing
WOW! What an eye-opener! I think it’s time to shut off CNN and change my focus with only 8 days left!
Comment by Leash — October 27, 2008 @ 8:15 am
Ashley, you have beautifully applied His Words from our lesson last week. Thank you for so lovingly reminding us.
(Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19)
Comment by mom — October 27, 2008 @ 10:01 am