Election 2016

Frustrated and confused concerning upcoming elections, I got tied up in knots whenever I turned on newscasts about candidates.

One night, agitated from hearing lies and observing arrogant posturing in both camps, I shut off my television and went to bed early. But I couldn't sleep. Restless, I turned on the light and sat up in bed. Did I hear a voice? Nothing audible, certainly. And yet the message was clear.

“No matter who wins, there are a few things I want you to remember.”

Yes, the Holy Spirit does speak to me from time to time, usually right before He reminds me of biblical truth I've forgotten, ignored, or simply needed to see from a fresh perspective.

These are the thoughts that settled into my soul that night.

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1. Remember God: He still is sovereign and in control.

Remember who He is-His character and attributes-and what He does. God has His purposes in everything that touches our lives. It's all about Him (Romans 11:36), and He has the right to do as He pleases (Psalm 115:3; Ephesians 1:11). In pride, some cringe with the reality that God rules over all things (even elections). This never cancels out our responsibility before Him, but He is God, and we most assuredly are not.

God is concerned about the state of our hearts. He is holy (1 Samuel 2:2) and He wants us to be holy (1 Peter 1:16), but sometimes God uses evil to accomplish ultimate good (Genesis 45:7, 8; 50:20; Romans 8:28).

No matter who wins the election, our sovereign, holy God, who always does what is right, will accomplish His purposes in, for and through us.

2. Seek God: He still wants us to seek Him for wisdom, revival and transformation.

The Bible says knowledge will increase in the latter days (Daniel 12:4), but that doesn't mean wisdom increases. God's thoughts and ways are beyond ours-rich and "unfathomable" (Psalm 50:21; Romans 11:33-34).

With godly wisdom, people can understand what is happening and what to choose while foolish people "walk in darkness" (Ecclesiastes 2:13-14a; Proverbs 28:26). Wisdom provides understanding (Proverbs 10:23), discernment (Proverbs 29:11), and protection (Ecclesiastes 7:12, 19).

The nation, even Christ-followers, have sought answers to life's deepest questions and problems everywhere except in the Lord and the wisdom of His Word. God is calling His people to return to Him-not only for wisdom during an election season, but because our hearts have pursued and worshipped other sources and resources.

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Oh, how God's people need revival! We cannot expect a changed culture if we are not willing to allow the Lord to transform our own hearts (Psalm 85:6-8). And we must believe it can come. The founder of Life Action Ministries, Del Fehsenfeld Jr., often said, "As long as God is on His throne, revival is as possible as the sun rising tomorrow morning."

We must stop seeking earthly saviors (Isaiah 43:11). Our confidence must be solely in God Almighty. Only He can give us wisdom, change our hearts and restore our joy.

3. Follow God: He still wants us to trust and obey-completely, immediately and joyfully.

When chaos comes and fears escalate, this is the time to be sure where our faith lies (Psalm 9:10; 20:7; 56:3; 1 Chronicles 16:11). Are we trusting God, or leaders, government and programs that can and will fail us?

And it's not just trust; we must obey the Lord. Years ago, in a revival conference, I listened as a young woman taught kindergarten-age children: "Obedience is doing exactly what God says, when He says it, with a happy face."

We can't pick and choose what we will obey-we can't bargain with God. Delayed obedience is actually disobedience. And God sees our hearts, whether we are obeying with a right attitude and godly motives.

4. Represent God: He still calls us to be His "ambassadors" in a corrupt culture.

The Lord wants us to share the message of hope and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-21). He wants us to speak up and stand for truth with compassion, no matter the cost (1 Corinthians 16:13; James 1:2-4, 12). And we must continue to expose the enemy's lies with biblical clarity (John 8:44; James 4:7; 2 Corinthians 2:11;Ephesians 5:11).

5. Serve God: The Lord still wants us to "occupy" until He returns.

We see the word "occupy" in Luke 19:13-sometimes translated as "operate" or "work with." God wants us to keep on using His resources and strength as we continue to do the things He has called us to do.

What are some ways we "occupy"?

• We share the gospel and disciple those who turn to the Lord (Matthew 28:19-20).
• We dig into the Word of God, hiding it in our hearts and learning more about the Lord who loves us (John 5:39).
• We cooperate with God's Spirit as He chips away at anything in our lives that doesn't resemble Jesus (Romans 8:29).
• We learn how to pray with power-interceding for leaders, God's people everywhere and especially the persecuted church (James 5:16b; Hebrews 13:3).
• We keep our priorities straight: God, family, work and ministry (Matthew 6:33;1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:58).
• We make use of our spiritual gifts in Kingdom work and for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31).
• We extend compassion and generosity toward the needy, especially in the "household of faith" (Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:13).
• We look for ways to encourage and love others: widows, orphans, the abused, the addicted, those who are suffering or destitute (James 1:27; 2:14-17; Romans 12:15; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 5:16, 42; 1 John 3:17; 4:19-20).
• We wear our spiritual armor daily as the Lord's soldiers and stand without apology against wickedness in the culture (Ephesians 6:10-14).
• We train and educate our children in God's Word, will and ways, leaving them a legacy of hope (Deuteronomy 6:5-9; 11:19; Proverbs 22:6).
• We practice cheerful and wise stewardship of our time, talents and treasures (Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

In other words, we keep on trusting God and doing whatever He asks us to do. Instead of panic or fear, we need to get a fresh view of God (Psalm 99), remain faithful, discover where the Lord is working and get on board!

The future is uncertain, but God will always call us to remember, seek, follow, represent and serve Him-no matter who wins in November!

Dawn Wilson and her husband Bob live in Southern California. They have two married sons and three granddaughters. Dawn assists author and radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth with research and works with various departments at Revive Our Hearts. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, and also publishes LOL with God and Upgrade with Dawn and writes for Crosswalk.com. Dawn also travels with her husband in ministry with the International School Project.

Credit: Crosswalk