Wednesday, November 5, 2008

So, now what?

I cried myself to sleep as I watched a watershed moment in history... the most liberal-pro-abortion president win the election to govern our country. I wondered how this happened?? How did we get to this place? (I, personally, think the conservatives got de-railed because no one was very excited about McCain. We lost unity. I think if it were Romney or Huckabee, things may have been different.)
I thought of the future and what it will be like... about the world my innocent boys will grow up in. I also thought of the serious responsibility to teach my kids the Word of God so they can navigate through the darkness coming. I felt as if an umbrella of protection over me suddenly got yanked away and I felt a whole new eery vulnerability. Like being on a trapeze and someone cutting down your safety net.
The Word tells us to respect those in authority so our family will do that. We will respect and honor authority unless it goes against the Word of God. We live in such an amazing country that I love and am proud of.
I am, however, excited about this election for a few reasons.
1.God always uses what seems like defeat for great victory. God can use this to strengthen His people... To show them their need to pick up the pace and start running harder... To get in the Word and fall in love with righteousness. I think darkness is coming but that means the lights will shine brighter.
"*Even if persecution should await believers in Christ or harrowing circumstances hound us, God will use hardship to bring unity and purity to a people who need it desperately. The best of circumstances do not always produce the best in the Bride of Christ."
Beth Moore
2.I have a fresh determination to teach my kids truth. To equip them for what lies ahead. To sharpen them as arrows to be shot into the world. For them to be leaders. Mediocrity is not going to cut it anymore. May God give our kids a true passion for Jesus- not just Sunday School answers. May they be captivated by the beauty of His Word. May they be world-changers for the gospel.
3. Jesus is teaching me that He is my safety net that CAN NOT BE cut down. To trust in anything other than Him is foolishness anyway.
4. And, finally, it is time to PRAY! As hard as it may be, pray for Obama. Pray that God would bless him, change his heart and that he would be a man who seeks the wisdom of God before making decisions. Pray that he and his family are protected from harm. We have access to such great power through prayer.
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." Proverbs 21:1
So, be encouraged. Fight hard to run your race. Throw off anything that hinders and GO!!!
Fear Not- He is God with us, Immanuel.
"Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so the when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be GOOD for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night."
Luke 12:35-38
May God bless America and protect our families and the lives of the unborn.
Steph
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Pause my music first if you want to watch this cool video...
"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

12 comments:

Erin Southwell said...

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you" Isaiah 54:10

BethAnne said...

I am with you 100%. Last night America voted in favor of sin, but God is bigger than America. I feel that Christians are about to be tested in their faith like never before......silenced by Govt. I also believe that God is going to do big things (the Rapture) very soon. So, while we are here mourning the loss of what we used to consider a Christian nation, God is on the throne and His plan is in place....now we just have to trust Him until its time for Him to execute that divine plan..........

LeslieTummel said...

May God's will be done...the American people have gotten what they asked for and deserve. We are living in the end of days, and in the blink of an eye the temple will be rebuilt and Jesus will come back. No matter what happens in the mean time WE WIN! :)

maryanne420 said...

i felt so defeated but at the end of all of this, Jesus remains on his throne!

please continue to pray that proposition 8 OFFICIALLY PASSES! it looks good but there's more votes to be counted! unfortunately, proposition 4 that obama endorsed did not pass. so young ladies ages 12, 13, 14 can still get an abortion without letting their parents know.

Leah said...

Even though he may not be who we wanted as our President, I think it is important that not only do we pray for our country, but that we as Christian, pray for him, as a man, and as the future leader of our nation.

Angela said...

Excellent reminders and a wonderful post. HUGS!!!!

On a lighter note, I'm dying to hear about the Nature Center on Monday.... :)

The Osborne Family said...

I so loved the video! I almost had a heart-attack I jumped so big, but loved it! These are the same thoughts on my heart. I am excited for the coming of the KING!

Anonymous said...

Good thoughts, cutie. I'm enjoying parenting with you, and it's good that we both are motivated to teach these guys the truth, and how to process all the faux that's floating around. As our country and communities evolve it will become incresingly important for us to teach the difference between what we may do, and what we should do...that having a right does not necessarily mean it should be exercised. wisdom. love you! Tim

Keri said...

Well said. Thanks. :)

Lauren said...

Love that video... I nearly had a heart attack! Check out this video from John Piper... one of the best I've seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGjGbZNyIBY

Blessings to you...

Anonymous said...

Steph,
I was forwarded a link to your blogspot by Rikki Massey's mother in law and what a blessing it is! Thank you for your encouragement. Your take on the election is full of encouragement for the Body of Christ. God bless.
Lee Hattrich

Mommyluann said...

I stumbled onto your blog from Bethanne's. Your post tugged at my heart. I think I could have written it. I teach kindergarten in a Christian school. The second grade teacher brought her kids to chapel and on the way in they were quietly "booing" Obama's win. She looked at me frustrated as if to say " No, we don't agree with him, but we need to teach these kids that we pray for the man in office and respect his position. We may not agree but we pray for him.

I appreciate your thoughts. I plan to visit again!

I thought about the "what ifs" too. If Rominey had been the pick or Huckabee...but I do not got is not taken by surprise. I pray we Christians keep our heads about us to continue to do right when the way may not be as easy.
Blessings from East Tennessee.