Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
1 Peter 3:13-16 ESV
As we step into November, we remain prayerful and faithful to “the God of hope.” I do not believe it in coincidences and so I take prayerful notice that our election day is in the month of Thanksgiving. We hope you have joined us in the 100 Days of Prayer leading up to today, as we prayed for those who currently serve in our government and those who are seeking to serve in the upcoming election. We prayed Scripture every day over their heart, soul, mind, strength, family, staff and enemies. As we step into these next few days leading to and through the election please continue to pray over our government and nation, but we now also invite you to prepare your heart in prayer for the election and for results in your city, state and nation knowing God is our hope and future.
As His children and followers, He is our unchanging authority and security. We absolutely MUST pray and vote; voting for people who have told us they will bring about policies that align with the Word, will and ways of God. We cannot “sit this one out” to do so is to silence our voice for godliness and open the door for sin to multiply in our communities, states, schools, and in all areas of our country. Scriptures calls us to “take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13)
And how do we STAND? We stand thankful that we get to vote, but even more so, we stand thankful to God who is our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Author of our days and the Ancient of Days – the One True Judge, our Lawgiver and King. God is Faithful and True, He has never hated you, never forsaken you, and pursued you with grace poured out in the blood and suffering of His only Son, Jesus. The world continues to spin, and our hearts continue to beat by no human authority or power but by Christ alone. He is our Light, Hope, Strength, Rest, Refuge, Joy, the Way the Truth and the Life! Death is only the earthly finish line for our race as we run as we keep the faith, it transitions us in a breath from here to heaven, where we will stand in His glory! God is for us and so who can stand against us… who can stand against Him? Not even Satan himself, for he is a created rebellious being who is already defeated at the empty tomb of Jesus. Though the enemy prowls about to destroy, God pursues us with love and protects us in ways we cannot even imagine.
Suffering is a part of this life on this broken planet where sin was chosen over obedience and we are still given a choice every day, in every moment, to decide who will we believe and who will we live for? We get to choose, that is the relationship God desires, that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love others as He has loved us. What a beautiful assignment! He has not called you to the impossible, but with God all things are possible, His grace is sufficient, and His lovingkindness endures forever. Friends, this is just the beginning of my list for the “reason for my hope.”
What are your reasons? Have you ever sat and pondered what you believe… what you REALLY believe, and mediated on your beliefs so they overflow into how you live? There are many things happening in our own homes and around the world that call for our attention and prayer. Being filled with hope and faith does not mean we are blind and ignorant, it means we are steadfast, standing on the promises of God despite the earthly circumstances as we stand in the gap praying and watching for God’s glory as we shine with His light in a dark and dismayed world. We must be ready to share the reason for our hope with others, with gentleness and respect.
Lord, thank you for being our hope! You never change, You never abandon us, You are always compassionate, gracious, abounding in love and mercy. We pour out our prayers to You for our communities and country every day and especially during this election season. We pray that Your will would be done and that You would speak wisdom and understanding into the minds and hearts of all of those who seek to serve and all of those voting. Compel You children to vote, give them peace knowing You are our hope and that You will direct the path of those who call on Your name and honor you with their policies. Our hearts will not be troubled because we know You are our hope and future. Help us to be ready to share these reasons with others as we are filled with Your joy and peace. In the powerful and peace-filled name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell