Either Way: Thoughts on the Election

WARNING: I'm about to get political.

I know many of you are sick of the election - you just want it to all be over. I respect that. I encourage you to go ahead and finish reading this post anyway. I think you'll find it different.

I tend to avoid political posts and comments to focus on my ministry instead. I realized over the weekend that I couldn't be fair to what I feel called to do by publicly ignoring such a large event in our country, however. I also want to get my thoughts out today before the voting starts tomorrow so you'll know my thoughts have nothing to do with who wins the election. By this time on Wednesday morning, we may have a new president-elect and we may not. Either way, what I'm about to write stands true.

"He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning" (Daniel 2:21).

"The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men" (Daniel 4:17).

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established" (Romans 13:1).

"No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings down one, He exalts another" (Psalm 75:6-7).

These passages are written by four different authors in four different centuries. Yet, they all have one message in common.

God is in control.

God puts leaders in place and removes them when the time is right. He has made the decision as to who should govern our country; no amount of voter fraud can overrule His decision. He establishes our authorities.

So, the question is, why should I vote? I can think of two reasons off the top of my head...

First, a few hundred years ago, God established a different set of leaders over this land. He led them to create a government that gave the people the right, freedom, and privilege to take part in electing the government's leaders. God chose to work in this nation through the power of the people.

Second, I may be the instrument through whom God chooses to work. God is all-powerful; He could strike down one candidate and leave only His choice, be it Obama or Romney, as the only remaining candidate for President. He doesn't do that though. Again, He chooses to work through the people and I'm honored to be a part of that process. God could do this however He wants and yet He chooses to work through me - and you - and the power of our vote.

So, if Obama wins, it is because God has placed him in authority over our nation for this time. It is because our country has a path it must walk to bring about the fulfillment of God's eternal, established plan.

If Romney wins, it is because God has placed him in authority over our nation for this time. It is because our country has a path it must walk to bring about the fulfillment of God's eternal, established plan.

Either way, I will continue to serve the One who set that man in authority.