Recently I have read emails, comments on blogs, and heard some asking the question or making comment as to whether God’s will was done in the past election of President Elect Barrack Obama.  In my mind and thinking I have seen how the election turned out, but was not surprised.

No!  The candidate I voted for was not elected.  I was disappointed and could have been, and still could be quite fearful of what lays ahead for the United States of America; the home of the free, and land of the brave.  I have known and believed for years in the sovereignty of God, and have seen God at work in the hearts and lives of others and in myself.  I have learned that no matter what man does the will of God is not thwarted; His will is done whether we go our own way, or choose His way.

Others who are concerned with our “free will” can believe that we overthrow God’s will.  That is frivolous thought.  How can a created being, such as we are, overthrow the will of the All-Knowing, All-Powerful, All-Present, and Immutable God?  The “free will” of humanity does in fact work with the sovereignty of God, God is glorified, and His will is done.  I cannot explain that any clearer, but that is what I learn through the reading of Scripture.

If we are fearful that God’s will was not done in the election of Barrack Obama as our President, then, we are in fact not trusting the sovereign hand of our God.  I do not know what lays ahead for our country, but I do know that whatever it is is in the hands or our Almighty God.

In this past election there were three or more ballot initiatives which went for moral thought.  Proposition 8 in the State of California passed in favor of marriage between a man and woman alone.  The initiative in Arkansas passed which only allows married couples – man to woman, woman to man – to adopt children or be foster parents.  Those were good moral decisions the people made in those States.  They may still be up for standing before  the courts.  We can only continue to pray for God to intervene, and that He be glorified through it all.

God has been merciful to us for the past eight years and longer.  We may now be in for a period of judgment, but let us not lose  heart, and fear that “God’s will was not done”.  As Christians we must believe God’s Word when He tells us;

“And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding…”  Daniel 2:21 (KJV)

Since Barrack Obama is set to be our President, then we need to pray for him, his family, his decisions concerning cabinet members, and his time as President of our nation.  Christian we are obligated by God to respect the man as our leader, to pray for him, and obey him.

Paul the apostle has written;

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.” Romans 13:1-6 (KJV)

The “higher powers” of which Paul mentions are rulers of nations, and governments of States, cities, etc..  It seems to me that our God has placed every ruler who has ever lived, and who is living today in their place.  Was the will of God done with Hitler in power in his day?  Whether we like it or not; or whether we understand it or not we must say YES!  The rise and fall of kings and nations is in the  hand of God, and as Paul writes, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”. 

You may disagee with this assessment, but it seems to me that the argument is not with me, but God.  Talk to Him about it.

When we reach the place where we trust these matters to His hands, then, we as Christians can have peace, stop complaining, belittling the man who will be our next national leader, and then effectively pray for him.

I am actually excited about what lays ahead.  It is after all in the hands of our Lord.

-Tim A. Blankenship