End of the World?

DC Talk covered a song by REM on its 1997 release "Welcome to the Freak Show." The words to the song state that "It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine."

Tonight, America elected a new President, Vice-President and Congress. The Presidential campaign was a hard fought journey that ended tonight with Senator Obama being elected as the new President. I live in a county that went 70% for Senator McCain and Governor Palin to 29% for President-Elect Obama and Vice-President Elect Biden.

Many in our neck of the woods and in other parts of the Bible belt will be disheartened over the outcome. Some will be ecstatic that their candidate won. Others will treat it like it's the end of the world. For me, I feel fine. :)

Why? First, My hope is not in a man. My king is still on the throne tonight and will be on the throne come January. John McCain was not the Savior of America and neither is President-Elect Obama. Secondly, God is not suprised by the outcome of today's elections. Romans 13:1 (NKJV) states "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." God's not suprised. He is still in control.

We may not like the outcome, but there's nothing we can do to change that right now.

So, I urge you to do several things.

1) Pray for the elected officials - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT) "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. 2 Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity." As I watched the exception speech and I saw the Obama's two little girls, I prayed for protection for him and his family. We must pray for God's mercy upon them. We should pray for wisdom and that God's will be done.

2) Cast off worry and fear - Tonight, I went to Wal-mart right before 10:00 p.m. The cashier asked me who was winning the electoral college. When I had left the house, Obama had a commanding lead. After I told her that, a look of worry and fear came over her. Worry and Fear are not tools of a political party. They are tools of the enemy of your soul. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) states "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Don't worry....God is still in control. EDIT: I just checked my Facebook account and scrolled down the Status updates of many of my friends. It just confirmed the thoughts of worry and fear. Many were talking of sackcloth and ashes, hoping this was a bad dream, etc. God is still in control. One more thing, for all those fearful and threatening to move to Canada, I'll be happy to purchase your American soil for pennies on the dollar. ;)

3. Use Restraint Please - The liberal media has bashed Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin. The conservatives have been outraged by their unfair treatment. However, there are many on the conservative side or in the religious right that are just as guilty. Every time one forwards an e-mail about Obama or Biden that are filled with unsubstantiated rumors and half-truths, that person is guilty of practicing the same unfair treatment. I would take that a step further....it is called spreading lies and gossip....both which are sins. I urge you to get the facts before you push send on your e-mail. Remember: Just because it is on the web or in an e-mail doesn't make it true. There are several websites out there to check rumors....I personally use Truthorfiction.com It is very valuable. :)

The real change we need in America is not a shift in political parties. The real change is that we need to turn back to the faith of our founding fathers. That is the only way America is truly going to change.

2 Chronicles 7:14 "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."