As we approach the date for the Republican National Convention in July, and after what undoubtedly has been the most controversial and divisive primaries in Republican Party history, billionaire businessman Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. And with representatives in the House and Senate, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, still not “ready to support” the real estate mogul as of last week, the party remains strongly divided, and, from this outsider’s perspective, increasingly weak.
“Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.”
Although these words, spoken by Jesus, were used as an answer to the Pharisees who were accusing him of doing miracles by the power of Satan other than God, they contain wisdom that can certainly be applied to the state of the current election year. Chaos and division can never bring forth success, whether it pertains to parenting or a political party.
That truth is heavy on my heart these days.
I have spoken to many conservative voters who have told me that they could never vote for Trump, and that, since their candidates are now out of the race, they simply won’t vote in November. I have watched anger and division among believers like never before.
And as we run around, acting like Chicken Little, focusing on the sky that we think is falling, increasing the gap between the lines instead of unifying, I imagine God shakes his head. From his place of dominion and control, where not one hair is allowed to fall from our heads without his permission, I believe he is calling people who claim to believe in his sovereignty to trust him instead of fighting, or, worse yet, losing hope.
I happen to be someone who tries her best to follow my Judeo-Christian convictions when I cast my vote, but I know many people of faith who completely separate their religious beliefs from their politics. I don’t agree with that approach, but understand it better than ever this year. After all, if we were to truly follow biblical principles when we look at the lives of both candidates, and not leave one single principle out, we would all probably stay home on Election Day.
But as for the doomsday mindset that has been permeating social media these days, I invite my readers to stop … and think. No, the scenario doesn’t look great. Yes, our nation is in incredible debt, and immorality seems to be escalating on a daily basis. True – the two candidates have more skeletons in their closet than a graveyard.
But God.
That is probably one of my favorite phrases of Scriptures. But God. It puts a pause in any fear, anxiety and doubt. The scenario may not look good, but God is still in control. I believe that — with all my heart. There are certain things that I cannot help. I have to use the wisdom he has given me, do my best to make my choice, and trust him with the future of this great nation. What I won’t do, for certain, is stay home on Election Day. The right to cast my vote is a right that I am not willing to give up.
On Nov. 6, after much prayer and consideration, I will vote for a candidate who was not necessarily my first choice, and then, I will lay my head down to rest, trusting that the next president’s heart is in God’s hands, anyway. Neither candidate holds the future. And that, my friend, gives me great peace and joy.
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