“No one grows powerful in this life without God.”
That’s a quote from my study Bible this morning. I’m near the end of reading 2 Chronicles where the records of the kings of Judah are recorded. Though better than their northern brethren in Israel, many of these kings faltered or wandered away from the Lord. One thing remained steady through these genealogies, the sovereignty of God and his covenant keeping faithfulness throughout history. In the successes and failures of these kings, we are reminded that the sun rises on the just and unjust alike (Matt. 5:45). Life keeps on going.
These history books also remind us of another biblical truth:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he [the Lord] directs it [the king’s heart] like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
This passage is from the book of wisdom, Proverbs 21:1. Good or bad, it is God who appoints or ordains, and it is God who directs the hearts of our leaders. This book of wisdom has a lot to say, not only about kingships, but also about the future of each and every one of our lives.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Prov. 16:9).”
It is true, we can all aspire to accomplish many things. We can pray and prepare our way, or strategically plan for our futures. At the end of the day, however, it is ultimately the Lord who determines our steps. These biblical truths allow me to accurately place my gauze, trust, and hope for the future at the feet of Jesus.
We are in a very interesting time in our American history. Donald Trump a business man with no political experience has been confirmed as the Republican nominee for president. And for the first time ever, a woman—Hillary Clinton—has claimed the democratic nomination to become president of the United States. What makes this even more historical is this presidential race comes on the heels of a two year term of the first African American president. If Hillary wins, it would be the first time for an entire generation where the leader of the free world was not a white male. Times are changing and this simple reality has a lot of people nervous.
Previously I addressed the anxiety concerning the decline in white male leadership, and our “national morality” or civil disobedience when discussing President Obama’s presidency as it relates to reconciliation in the church. In short, we are called to honor our president understanding that, “No one grows powerful in this life without God.” Our sovereign God has a purpose for Hillary and a purpose for the Donald, and it looks like those are going to be our only choices come November.
Are there reasons for concern with both the Republican and Democratic parties, and their candidates? No doubt. However, I am encouraged because of my faith in God, and I welcome the challenge to Christians from Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile who said, “Opting for a Third Party Candidate to Soothe my Conscience may Actually Dull It.”
Check out his interview and dialog on the topic: “Quick to Listen.”
Blessings, Natasha
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 