A Call for Prayer for the Upcoming Election

Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will.

~Eric Metaxas (biographer of Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

To my beloved, believing friends,

We are fast approaching what may possibly be the most important election in our lifetime. Our religious freedoms are at stake, the lives of the unborn are at stake, our children and grandchildren's futures are at stake, to name just a very few things. I have heard many people say that they just wish that this election would be over. But, my friends, what happens as a result of this election will have lasting and serious repercussions upon our nation and upon our lives, and particularly-- especially-- upon the lives of our precious children. And it will not "be over." Do we care enough to pray, to fast, to plead with our Sovereign Lord for His mercy in this election? I have been so encouraged by the faithful witness of many Christian leaders during this election period. Franklin Graham, Eric Metaxas, and Wayne Grudem are among a few of them. These men have encouraged us to pray, to think, and to act--and to trust the outcome of this election into the loving hands of our Sovereign Lord.  I am grateful for men like them. 

On the other hand, I have been dismayed by the advice of other Christian leaders--to the point where one prominent Christian leader is even advising Christians that it is not commanded in Scripture that they vote. Yes; we are citizens of Heaven--but we have been placed upon this earth for a purpose, and a great part of that purpose is actively combating evil in this world. We have an incredible privilege that many of our persecuted and suffering brothers and sisters in other countries do not have--the privilege of being able to vote against evil and against evil policies. May God help us if we do not make the most of this opportunity while we still have it. And may our freedom to spread the Gospel remain intact. 

I believe absolutely that our Lord is Sovereign, and that He is Sovereign in this election. The outcome is utterly in His hands. And ultimately, we know that He is love and He will deliver us even if it is through the fire. 

But I also believe that He hears the prayers of His people and that He calls upon them to act at crucial junctures (Esther, Deborah, Joshua, and Daniel are just a few examples from Scripture--some positioned in extremely secular nations). I believe with all of my heart that He will not hold us guiltless if we do not act --and if we encourage others also not to act then our consciences before Him are tarnished. 

We have an opportunity to protect our capacity for spreading the Gospel--may we take it. 

I have been very disheartened by the Christian response to this election, quite honestly. Personal vendettas, false piety, and apathy have reigned supreme--May God forgive us.

But I also believe, and sense this through prayer, that there are hundreds upon hundreds of believers crying out to the Lord in all different places to show His mercy to His people regarding this election. There is always a remnant who sincerely cry out to Him--may we be among them! 

And may His will be done. 

I cannot help but think of Tolkien's words from one of my favorite films--and I leave you with them--and with hope--because our God is not a God of despair, but of hope--

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

May we decide well--because the time that has been given to us is precious. As He is. And He is a Father of mercy. 

You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth, Inspire Me Monday, Literacy Musing Mondays, The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, Raising Homemakers, Classical Homemaking, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries,  Testimony Tuesday, Tell His Story, Women With Intention Wednesdays, Messy Marriage,  Graced Simplicity, Children Are A Blessing, Imparting Grace, Thought Provoking Thursday, Soul Survival, Good Morning Mondays, The Weekend Brew, Counting My Blessings, The HomeAcre Hop, Mommy Moments Link Up, Grace and Truth Linkup, Faith Filled Friday, Tell It To Me Tuesdays, SHINE Blog Hop, TGI Saturdays Blog Hop, RaRaLinkup, Word of God Speak, Booknificent Thursday, Living Proverbs 31, Sharing His Beauty Blog Linkup, Coffee For Your Heart Weekly LinkUp, You're the Star Blog Hop, Homesteader Hop, Fresh Market Friday