Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election Day

How to have peace about our election--no matter how it turns out.

I am thankful for the peace God has given me about politics.  I admit I don't really agree with much that goes on in politics and have yet to vote for a president Iwas really excited about voting for.  I have peace though, knowing that God is in charge and has promised over and over to take care of me and my family.  :)  I also am a bit bothered when Christians act like the world is coming to an end when politicians they don't agree with are elected.  Don't worry, I am not naive.  I fully understand the political beast.  I just think my God is bigger than the beast.
 
Before going into full panic mode regarding elections, please remember: 
  1. God is still in charge.
  2. We don't have to watch or listen to the news if it is stressing us out, go on a news fast--listen to good music or sermons.
  3. Remember the USA IS the best country on the earth (I admit this is my opinion), however there are many other countries in which people not only survive, but love their country and are happy--with out the perks of living in our country.  If our way of life changes somewhat, we WILL survive and even be happy here still.
  4. Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of remembering God is in charge.  Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
  5. God can still change the course of our country if that is His will.  God is still on the throne and NO government entity can "sneak" anything by Him.  I admit I am not a fan AT ALL of many things going on in our country, however, God is still in control.  Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
  6. No matter what laws are passed, God will still take care of us.  Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.  Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
  7. God can work even through bad things to bring about good.  Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
  8. God does not want us fretting and upset about things that happen in our lives.  He wants us to give our worries and concerns to Him.  He is much smarter than us and can take care of our problems much better than we can.  Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
What we can do:
  1.  Stay informed.  Read/watch the news WITH discernment!
  2. Wisely and graciously educate those that discuss issues with you.  I do this by asking them questions that lead them in the direction I would like them to go.  This way I'm not telling them what to believe and at least give them something to think about.  NEVER get upset; angry.  This must be done calmly!
  3. DO NOT quote unproven facts; fables, etc!!!  The whole birther movement is a good example of this... It is quite easy to check facts.  Please do.  When you quote misinformation, you lose all credibility and actually damage your cause because people stop believing you. 
  4. Remember to pray for our government officials.  I pray that God will:
    • Save those who are unsaved
    • Give them the desire to do what is right
    • Help them to make decisions that are best for our country
    • Give them the desire to put our country first, not their political careers or pocket book!
    • I have at times asked God to keep them awake with all the ways their bad decision will affect others.   :)