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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Thoughts on the Election

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16) Rejoice always, 17) pray without ceasing, 18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I'm very sad that John McCain did not win the presidency. I fear for our nation because I feel 'we' will get what we deserve. As much as I want to dig a hole and climb in until the Lord comes, I know that's not what we as born again believers are called to do. We're called to bear fruit (John 15:8) we're called to spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) and we're called to imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). In 1 Thess. 5:18 (quoted above) we're told to give thanks. The selfish part of me does not want to give thanks. I'm torn between anger and sadness. I don't want to be consoled, but I know my consolation will come. When we're abiding in God's will and we do it His way it always works out for the best. "For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 Any thoughts on the election? Because after this I really want to focus on Thanksgiving. No, not the turkey part, but the part where I'm thankful to God that I still live in a free country, have the privilege of His Word, and have family and good friends. I am blessed!

3 comments:

Juli said...

Tonight when I tucked Jessa in we said our normal prayers. For the first time I prayed for our new elected president. It is going to take some getting used to to say "President Obama". Just doesn't ring for me yet.

My thoughts~ Wow, like you Rach I am sad. And I will say a little fearful of what could come. But, I think of my adult life and some of the issues that I have faced. God has ALWAYS been faithful. We talked in Sunday School this Sunday about how David fled from Saul and went to the "dark side", the Philistines. 1 Samuel talks a lot about "God has foresaken me". Well, in actualality He wasn't the one who turned away, we are the ones who turn our backs and try to take control of our own lives.

So why did I bring this up??? My #1 concern on a financial side with Obama being our President is the strong potential for the child tax credit to be taken away. This is $3,000 a year for my family that we do not have to pay in federal income tax. If this credit is revoked it will mean $250 will have to come out of my budget each month. Did I mention that my budget pretty much comes to $0 now?! This is my number one financial concern. I have crunched the numbers and this will mean a HUGE impact on my family.

But when I was lying in bed last night thinking about this I was reminded of August 20, 2006. I had $20 to my name, no job, wasn't sure where I was going to live the next day and the gas light in my car had come on.
GOD IS JUST SO GOOD! He gave my parents the grace to let me move back in (Again) and 39 days later I had a great full time job and was able to start a road back to fiancial security. Oh and I used the $20 to fill up my gas tank.

I had given God that situation 100% and he blessed me a 1,000 times over (has any met my amazing new husband). It is when I try to take control, and I do this a lot because I am a "CONTROL FREAK" that things get so messed up. Yes, I feel the need to be on my knees more often for our new President, but God will be blessed no matter what.

Ok, so sorry this was so long, but Rachel you did ask my opinion! :)

kim said...

Wow! I think that Juli needs to write her own blog! :) She writes wonderfully and that comment was very well written, thoughtful and true!
I agree with your thoughts, Juli. God will always be in control, even if we think things are out of control and what hope that provides.
The choice America has made for president provides us (as Christians) with many, many opportunities to pray, get involved in the issues that we see as kingdom important and to trust. Easier typed than done, for sure.
I must say, though, that honestly I was thrilled when I looked at election results for some ballot issues. I am reassured that, at least for now, America still holds that marriage should be between a man and a woman! The way that God intended marriage to be! I was excited to see that every state with gay marriage bans on their ballots passed those measures. Glory to God!

I was incredibly disappointed by the results of the abortion measures on the ballots in several states. In particular, the ballot measure in Colorado that simple wanted to define life as beginning at conception. Again, America has chosen to vote against life, against the worthiness of life and the importance of protecting life. Sad, very, very sad!

And what's this about Washington State allowing terminally ill patients to take their won life? Who will define "terminally ill"? I read that it will only be allowed for those patients with 6 months or less to live, but who will determine that? Again, America has voted against life.

Well, look at me...my comment is as long as a post on my blog. Sorry! More, I'm sure on this topic, over at my blog later today - as if there's anything else i could say :)

Clare said...

I won't leave a post- like some people :)-just kidding I love reading what everyone has to say. I know that the Lord is in control. I know He has a perfect plan- He will use this for His glory. We need to repent, and if no one else will, I will! It only takes a few righteous people...