In Uncertain Times, God Is Rock Steady

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.’ (Proverbs 16:33); ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ (Philippians 4:6)

Here in Florida, it is hurricane season, of course – but it is also election season; primaries are in August and the general election is in November.  Nationally, the mid-term elections are primarily for the control of the House of Representatives but the Senate, with one-third of the seats up for grabs, could also change with political party will lead it.  Along with the uncertainty of when the Iranian Conflict will end (and how it may end), petroleum products are still priced high and with it the prices of several goods and services that also rely on the cost of transportation through the supply chain. 

When the costs go up in transporting goods, the baker or the local auto mechanic have to adjust their prices or reduce their operating costs to make ends meet.  Thus, we typically pay more for not only gasoline at the pumps, but also pay more for the oil change or the bread on the shelf of our local grocery store.  If it’s not the cost going up, it’s the value of the goods we buy that goes down.  The mechanic may buy ‘off-brand’ parts to fix your car at a reasonable price, instead of using original manufacturer components.  The baker may use a smaller quantity of flour or sugar in his cake batter to save money, at the cost of the quality and taste of his wares.

We don’t know what exactly the future holds.  The conflict may end with the Persian Gulf fully open and the oil freely flowing, and gas prices dramatically drop, and with it the costs of goods dropping as well.  People will have more money to spend on items they held off in buying, and suddenly our economy – currently doing well but not running completely smooth – goes into overdrive.  The stock markets rally and people feel confident again, and people will desire to stay with the status-quo.  Or the conflict either isn’t resolved or the resolution means the Persian Gulf is still restricted; gas prices remain high, consumers continue to be wary, and people will desire change.

Elections are akin to rolling dice; who we elect, no matter the race, is a gamble on whether they will do well or poorly.  It’s easier if the candidate is a known commodity, but it’s not always easy to predict past performance will equal future results.  Many politicians change from the platforms that they ran on once they are in office; some even change party affiliation after they are elected.  It is true, however, that typically we vote in who we desire, and vote in who we deserve.  If we vote in questionable candidates, we deserve the results of their tenure that befall us.

The one thing that we know for certain is God’s Word and God’s Plan.  His SOP, or Standard Operating Procedure, has never changed over time.  It is God who allows our decisions to be manifested or not; God decides whether a candidate will win or lose.  Our Faith in Jesus, or one’s lack of understanding Him, can tip the scales.  We do elect our leaders, and God can use them, whether good or evil, for His own purpose. 

As Paul states in Philippians 4, we should never stress over politics or on what side will win.  Whoever wins will be who God allows to win; that winner will do God’s purpose.  That purpose is not always for the benefit of His people; in the Old Testament God allowed leaders that would tear down a kingdom or invade another country, to expose evil or correct the sinful acts of the nation as a whole. 

We often get anxious over what we don’t know, the fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of the future.  While the Bible can’t tell us the results of the mid-term elections and who will lead with Righteousness or who will lead poorly, we Christians can be assured God is always in control.   The people of God are not immune to the consequences of our society or its leaders, but we are assured of our future with Him, that while the trials and tribulations of life can be disturbing, we will, with Jesus’ Salvation and our repentance of sin, know our eternal home is stable and set.

So, prepare for the hurricanes that may or may not come, but be prepared.  Do your proper diligence and vote for the candidates that most appear as supporting Christ and Righteousness, but be prepared if they do not.  Pray for the Iranian Conflict to end and for prices and the economy to improve, but be prepared if the struggles continue a bit longer.  There may be some things to do to prepare yourself physically (stock up on food and water, for example), but make sure you’re prepared for eternity if you aren’t already – turn to the Lord Jesus for His gift of Salvation and stand firm on His foundation.