Today and the next four years...

My friend Nate made an excellent post this morning and I just wanted to share it with everybody:

Nate’s Noise

Election Thoughts-A lot of fear and anxiety has gripped our nation these past few months. Concerns of the economy, concerns of the election, health care, education, war (and rumors of war), security, mortgages, retirement, etc. I know about half of our country is in turmoil, and the other half is rejoicing; over the next President of the United States. Regardless of how you feel about it, I still think this is the biggest reason why we live in the greatest nation.

As Christ-Followers, our freedom is not in the person of President. Our contentment is not in our government, but our freedom and contentment is in the Lord. And it is the Lord who has given the authority of our government. As John 19:11 says, "Jesus answered, 'You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has {the} greater sin.'"

We, as Christ-Followers, are reminded of how we are to interact with governing authorities in Romans 13:1-2, "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

So even though there may (or may not) be an agreement with Obama's philosophies on life, religion, politics, etc; God has placed him in this position of leadership and authority. I find comfort in that. I find comfort in the fact that regardless of who is in the Office of President, the Lord’s ways will prevail. Yes, we as Christ-Followers can be concerned about some issues we face, and some solutions presented for these issues; but that is why we can always voice our opinion through congressman and senators; and continue to work with our government to ensure these solutions address our concerns.

But above all, we (as Christ-Followers) honor the Lord with how we honor and pray for the governing authorities. So I ask that as a church, and a body of believers, we would come together to pray for Obama, our judges, and our representatives like we've done in the past. That we would continue to show the unconditional Love of Christ to everyone around us; as II Timothy 1:13-14 says, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to {you.}” May the Lord God Almighty (El-Shaddai) continue to shower the United States of America with His blessings; as His body continues to work faithfully unto Him.

Romans 13

"The authorities that exist are authored by God..."

Not the easiest thing to swallow when you look at the election we are facing but I saw that verse on a friend's blog today and am now praying that scripture before I vote tomorrow.