By Melissa McLaughlin
Autumn leaves twirl to the ground signaling the curtain call. In that final moment before taking a bow, the withering foliage announces the close of one season. By God’s wondrous design, the fall leaves also prepare for the next as they release nourishment into the earth for future growth.
If you live in the United States, you know we are preparing for an election this fall. Ready or not, a new season is upon us.
Though many people are filled with angst, as Christians, we need not take on the world’s turmoil and unrest. For the Sovereign God is our source of hope.
We are citizens of heaven. Yet, at the same time, God has placed us in an earthly nation to share the gospel of Jesus and be His salt and light. For people living in the U.S., that includes the opportunity to vote. Therefore, as believers, we pray and vote according to biblical principles to effect change that brings God’s best for our neighbors and nation.
While we do our small part in the election process, we also release our grip on this world. We trust God to accomplish His purposes in our day and time. We recognize He sets up and removes leaders.
Furthermore, throughout the Bible, God works through righteous and unrighteous rulers. King David is just one example. In fact, without God’s grace, He could not use any of us.
Gratefully, God’s agenda is not thwarted by mankind. Sinful or rebellious actions of a nation may bring His judgment upon the people. However, God’s ultimate purposes and timeline will prevail.
No matter which person leads a nation, the good news is Jesus has already won the real victory. We carry out His kingdom plans as we await His return where He will reign forever in absolute righteousness, justice, and love.
May we recognize the importance of this moment and send Jesus’ nourishment into the world through prayerful faith, Christlike actions, and Spirit-led words.
One essential way to carry Jesus’ light to a dark world is to remember this Bible verse:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Our unshakable trust in the Living God is like a gentle-strong ripple in a great lake sending out Spirit-filled peace that silences the enemy’s efforts to bring discord.
No matter the outcome, Jesus Christ is LORD. He is our Prince of Peace and the Lord of the harvest. With each passing day, we gallop toward the end times Bible prophecies. God alone knows all the details, yet He provided His Word so that we will be prepared and not scared.
The election outcome may stem the tide of evil in our nation. Or not.
Regardless, God holds time in His hands. As He promised, He will bring mankind’s history to a close according to His divine schedule.
Who knows? Perhaps that will be sooner than we think. As we wait, let us be found at peace. For the Prince of Peace rules and reigns in our hearts already. When Jesus parts the clouds, let us be watching, praying, praising, and serving.
May the Lord of the harvest find us faithful. Like the autumn leaves, may we continue fulfilling our God-given purpose, displaying His glory, and releasing Christ’s nourishment into the earth until He returns.
Below are some Scriptures that help me trust God with our nation. What helps you trust God?
Daniel 2:21 NKJV – And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Matthew 9:38 NKJV – Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Psalm 31:15 NKJV – My times are in Your hand.
Psalm 103:19 NKJV – The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV – For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Colossians 3:15 ESV – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.
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The Government Will Be Upon His Shoulder
Yes and Amen! No matter which way the ‘tree’ falls, our Holy and Sovereign God will be glorified! Blessings
Hallelujah! Our God is above all and He can bring about His good purposes! Thank you for reading and commenting. God bless you, Pastor James!
God is in control at all times. We can trust in His divine will and be at peace. Wishing you blessings! This post reminded me of the verse from Isaiah, 55: 8-9, in which we learn that,
‘God’s ways are above our ways, and His thoughts are above our thoughts.”
Amen, Linda. He is Sovereign over all. And He is good. We can trust Him. I love the verse you shared, Isaiah 55:8-9. Powerful truth! God bless you with His peace!
Amen. Place our trust in God.
Amen, Melissa. God will accomplish His plans. And He works all things together for His glory and our ultimate good. We can trust Him.
God’s purposes may not be comfortable for us. We have to trust–no matter what. Great message, Melissa. God bless!
Well spoken, Nancy. God’s purposes may not be comfortable for us at all. In fact, sometimes His purposes include trials. And so we look to the cross and remember how God brought the ultimate good out of unimaginable evil. We can’t see everything, but we can see Jesus. We can trust Him. God bless!
Another great one, Sister!
What helps me trust God? His Word, past Faithfulness in my life, His people (like you) who He uses to edify, teach, and encourage me.
God Bless!
Mike C.
Praise the Lord! Thank you for sharing your reflections and feedback. God can be trusted!
God bless you, Mike!
Amen and amen! This is a divisive time, yet we don’t need to worry. As you put it so aptly, “While we do our small part in the election process, we also release our grip on this world. We trust God to accomplish His purposes in our day and time. We recognize He sets up and removes leaders.” God has everything–including this election!–under control.
Amen, Jessica! We do our part, then we rest in God’s sovereign power and goodness. May we shine so brightly with His peace at this turbulent time. God bless you!
Such an important message Melissa. We need to keep our focus on the everlasting King and not just the temporary leaders. Praying for our country.
Thank you, Yvonne. I am joining you in prayer for our country. Lord, we ask you to accomplish your plans and purposes through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Powerful message, Melissa. I’m so grateful “God’s agenda is not thwarted by mankind.” And that “God’s ultimate purposes and timeline will prevail.” While the election is important, the outcome doesn’t change who God is, He’s still God and on His throne.
Amen, Karen. Our God is high above all! No matter who is president, Jesus is KING!