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Obama Elected: How to Cope, Biblically, with Winning and Losing
By Julie | November 5, 2008
Barack Obama was elected president of the United States last night, bringing to a close the most heated, and emotional election I can ever recall. It was a long road to get here. I’m glad it’s over. But with the elation and let down of the election, there is a lot of emotion surging through people today. Some are happy: their man won! Others are depressed, so opposed to Obama, they wonder what this means for the country. I don’t know who you are today, the happy or the sad person. But either way, we’re in this country, affected by our government, together. I pray we can somehow move forward and find the unity implied by the very name of our country: The United States of America.
Today a few Bible passages have come to mind and helped me put into perspective the role of the “king” or in this case, a leader, our soon to be new president, and the role of the people:
1. God builds up a king, and puts them in power. Whether you agree or disagree with the decision of Americans last night. For whatever God’s purposes are for our country, and this presidential term, He has set it, and is the only source to remove it. Whether you are happy or sad, God is still in control:
….he sets up kings and deposes them. — Daniel 2:21
2. Don’t get too excited or too discouraged. The Bible tells us of horrible kings, who let God and their people down. The books of 1st and 2nd Kings introduce many kings and then summarize the qualities of their reign. After each king is introduced they are followed by one of two phrases: “But he did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Or, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” Sinister kings occasionally did good. Look at Solomon, he had great wisdom, gave us Ecclesiastics and most of Proverbs. But he had multiple wives and tried everything, good and evil. In 2 Samuel, even godly kings messed up; David killed for Bathsheba. God was still in control! In Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar was so full of himself that God made him go crazy and wander the wilderness for months, until Nebbi finally recognized that God made him a King, he didn’t. Then his sanity was restored. (Found in Daniel 4, it’s a little long, but worth it.) Through all of this, God’s people still worked and raised families.
If you love Obama, expect some disappointment, and I don’t mean that cruelly. No person can give us everything we need, a government is less capable. The more we idolize someone, the bigger the fall we’ll take when we tumble off their pedestal. Obama has promised many things for many people, every plan can’t come about as everyone wants. Disappointment will follow.
Likewise, if you detest Obama, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised on occasion. Even people we detest do things we like once in a while. God is in control of this country.
3. God still uses the little people. If you are here today, happy or unhappy with the election, God has a place for you. Your presence on this earth means He has a plan, set up for you for fulfill:
From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. — Isaiah 46:11
If God put you in this country, at this time, His plan for you will coincide with the conditions of our government, and leaders.
And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? — Esther 4:14
And God’s plans are good, even if they bring us through hardship on occasion.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
We were not placed here to rely upon the government. We were placed here to rely upon God and fulfill the plan He gives us. We can, and have to do this, regardless of, or with the help of, the man elected to president of the United States.
Related links:
Israel Asks for a King: A Story for Election Day
Prayers For the American Presidential Election, Prayers for our Government
Election 2008: Making and Breaking Opinions About the Parties
Power and Responsibility in Campaign Coverage
2008 Political Race: Obama and McCain Announce Vice Presidential Running Mates
Topics: Encouragement, Faith, In the News | No Comments »
