Faith Tester

Well, my worst political fears have come to pass. Barrack Obama has been elected President and the Social Liberals have gained even more control of the Congress. It was a bleak evening last night and the forecast isn't looking much better. I think the worst part about being a pessimist is that even when you're right, you're not elated. I just knew that Obama would win. But, unlike the mesmerized masses that have been lead to the water by the media-dubbed "Chosen One" and drank without question, gulp after gulp, there was no celebration upon confirmation of my hypothesis. It was just that same ol' sinking feeling that you get after you scratch off that last square on the lottery ticket that just gave you two $10,000 signs and only requires one more to win. You know deep down that your chances are too slim to bank on, but you can't help but have that tiny little glimmer of hope that says, "You might actually be a winner!" But, in the end, the square only reveals a $1 sign and your instincts again prove accurate. Unfortunately, that tiny little glimmer was big enough to cause that rise in your stomach that you now feel sinking like the Titanic fresh off a brush with an iceberg. What can you do? There is no "I told you so" moment. It's all the victory with none of the spoils. You were proven right again. Yay for you. (Notice the intentional absence of an exclamation point.)

So, what do we hopeful, prayerful Christians who were praying for anything other than Obama and what looks like some inevitable "Nero-esque" Rome burning do now? Well, hopefully, retreating to Montana to join a militia is not on your immediate agenda. For a while there, it looked like Montana was swinging left as well. (Way to hang on Montana!) You have to do what I did this morning. I grabbed my heavily caffeinated, fat-free, "Vote for Change"-free cup of JOE and opened up the Bible. It was inspiring!

I turned to 2 Peter and started at Chapter 1. The first three verses were quite uplifting. It talked of how we have everything we need for this life and to be godly in our knowledge of God and of Christ. Grace and Peace flow in abundance through that very knowledge. If anything, we are going to need lots, and lots of Grace and Peace over the next 4 years. Grace to show love to the Obama supporters and Peace to trust that life as we know it won't come to a screaching halt (and if it does, we'll still be sustained). If we dig into the word and not give into the temptation to throw our hands in the air and scream, "What's the point?," then God will pour His Grace and Peace into our lives and show us that it is not a President, a Government, or legislation that sustains us. It is not a campaign slogan or a nebulous "hope for change" that will be our anchor and guide. It is not a man of flesh and blood that will be our savior. It is the only real Chosen and Risen Son of God that saves us and offers the only real hope for change in our lives and neither has His campaign slogan nor have His values ever changed!!! Nor are they ambiguous and uncertain!! His agenda is still the same--that all should come to know Him (Jesus not Obama) as their one and only hope for salvation!! (Notice the presence of many exclamation points!)

So, on this day of historical significance, I urge you to dig into the Word and get yourself grounded in what God says and strive to apply it to your lives. Work on increasing your knowledge of God and His word daily. The Father will sustain us and He will prove Himself worthy of our allegiance. His track record speaks for itself!