The Times are in God's Hands

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment…For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing. Pay to all what is due them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. (Romans 13:1-2; 6-7)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. (1Tim. 2:1-2)

The election process is finally over. It has been a long, strange journey, filled with ground-breaking surprises, highs and lows. We have awakened this morning to a new president-elect and I know I am not alone in wondering what this means for our nation. Things were going change regardless of who was elected. Now we wait to see what will come of this decision by the citizens who voted.

Scripture makes clear that all authority is from God. We have as our president the one appointed for this time. For those who supported the candidate who lost, it might be a time of disappointment and concern for the direction of our country. But God is in control and we are to entrust all things to his keeping, including our leaders and nation. Scripture says we are to pray for our leaders so we can go freely about kingdom business. This is what I will do. My pastor often says, “It will be what it will be.” Wise words. Not fatalistic, just true. We do not always understand what God is doing. He chooses to keep things veiled from us sometimes. Our job as believers is to trust and obey as the old hymn says. We are to pray for our leaders and render to them what is due. Regardless of how you voted, this is what God commands.

Pray for our new President. Pray for our Congress. Pray for our Governor, and for all who are in positions of authority. Pray for our nation, that godly men and women would work for justice and peace. And pray that as believers, we would seize every opportunity to spread the gospel whether circumstances are favorable or not (2 Tim. 4:2). And be thankful that we live in a nation where power changes hands in a peaceful, orderly manner and that we can exercise our faith openly. We are doubly blessed.

Regardless of how you voted, the times are in God’s hands. Leave to him what the future holds and be faithful to do as he commands: trust and pray. This is the will of God for all who are called. It is our witness.