America Has "Spoken" and so has God

THINK ABOUT IT:

WASHINGTON - President Bush claimed a “historic victory” in his re-election Wednesday and promised to work for the backing of all Americans, including supporters of his vanquished rival, John Kerry. He told supporters that he was set to forge ahead on such goals as stabilizing Iraq and overhauling Social Security.“Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans,” he said. “So today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent. To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support, and I will work to earn it.”The president spoke before thousands of cheering supporters less than an hour after Kerry conceded defeat.“America has spoken,” he said to roars from the jubilant audience.photo courtesy AP & text courtesy msnbc.com, 11/03/04

TAKE A LOOK:

Romans 13:1-2 - (NLT) (Respect for Authority)
¹Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. ²So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.

WHAT DOES PAUL TELL US ABOUT GOD'S INVOLVEMENT IN EARTHLY GOVERNMENT?At first glance, you might think that God places government leaders in power if they are Christian or at least moral people.  But no...Paul is saying that all are in place because of God's ultimate will.  Remember that Paul is writing this to Christians living in Rome under the horrible rule of the Roman Empire - they're the ones who fed Christians to lions for lunch. God has a "big picture" plan that requires everyone to make a decision about Jesus.  He also uses earthly circumstances and authorities to bring us to depend on Him in the process of becoming more like Christ.  This includes the need for us to obey earthly government unless it requires us to disobey the moral standards taught in the Bible.

So, no matter how you feel about the result of the Presidential election, remember that it is God's will.  He is in complete control.  The same would be true if Kerry had been elected.  For those of us who follow Christ, think of the peace and confidence this should give us as we strive to honor God by being Godly citizens.

TALK ABOUT IT:
Thank God for being in complete control of what happens in our lives. Pray for President Bush and all other elected officals by using Paul's words in 1st Timothy 2:1-2, "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. 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."

content by Youth For Christ