Pray, Obey & Vote
Tomorrow, June 5, 2018, is Primary Election Day in the United States of America. I am a Christian registered voter AND I will participate in the voting process. I find it necessary to disclose this because, sadly, I have not always been able to declare those words.
There was a time when I wasn't registered to vote. I was under the ignorant belief that my voice didn't matter and that registering to vote [and participating in the voting process] was a waste of my time and energy. Yet, like so many other people, when things didn't go the way I thought they should, I complained.
"How is this happening?!" "They should have ________ (insert everything I thought should have happened)." "We have to put up with this for how long?!" "Hpmph! Glad to say I didn't for THAT!"
Some time later, I was doing more "adult" things and it came time for me to renew my driver's license. I am not sure why I correlated registering to vote with behaving like an adult, but at the time, it seemed to fit. So I completed the paperwork, renewed my license and registered to vote. It was so easy! But. I. Still. Didn't. Vote. And once again, I would join in with others (who may or may not have voted) and complained...and complained...and complained.
After some time and much urging from my then-friend, LT, I was convicted. How could I, a Christian, who represents Christ, think that my voice didn't matter? Christ is the light of the world. I am the light of the world. I am the difference this world needs! So just like my grandparents who stood in long, long lines to proudly cast their votes, I began to participate in the voting process. And I have not stopped. Yet, through sound teaching and guidance, I have gained so much more insight and revelation on the importance of praying, obeying and then voting.
There are far too many critical ballot choices for me to rely on TC to make the "right" choices. I can't rely on my feelings or emotions. Another reason that I pray, obey and then vote is because, as I've mentioned in previous WHOAments, God has a plan for my life and it is so much bigger than me, that in my natural thinking, I can't possibly make the "right" choice without hearing from Him first. As a Believer, God cares about EVERY aspect in my life. If I pray, obey and vote, I know that no matter the outcome, I voted how He wanted me to vote, not how I or anyone else "thought" I should. It's a huge relief.
It is fitting, too, that last week, on Memorial Day, we honored Veterans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Because they fought and died for our Country, we are able to freely cast our votes. I know there are people (Christian and otherwise) who thought like I once did and are saying they will "sit this one out" and not vote. But to sit down and do nothing is a slap in the face to those who have, and continue to fight for, our freedoms. They deserve your vote.
This election and going forward, don't vote with your emotions. Instead, I urge you to pray, obey and then vote. You, through Christ, have the power to positively change the world! Your vote matters!
As you prepare to vote, please join me in this (still relevant) prayer that my Pastor, Rick Sherer shared for a past election:
Heavenly Father, You are the living, great and covenant keeping God Who shows mercy to all who love You and keep Your Word. We examine ourselves and confess our sins when we rebel not obeying Your Word. We turn from our wicked ways, including voting for our selfish ambitions rather than Your wisdom like seeking healthcare, economic advantage, and rights rather than trusting You. Not voting at all is even worse. Thank You, Lord, for forgiving us, according to Your promise with Jesus’ blood.
Now we stand in Your strength and the power of Your might for our city, our state, and our nation. In Jesus’ name, we bind every enemy spirit from infiltrating our government with wickedness, and strip them of their plans against us. We call for Your wisdom, Almighty God, to surround all of our leaders and direct their decisions. We pray they come into the knowledge of the truth and salvation through Jesus Christ. This way they will share in the inheritance of the children of God, so they can serve at their best.
As we prepare to vote, we ask for Your wisdom, Lord, and pray in the Holy Spirit Who helps us because we do not know what to pray. We trust You to speak to us, and commit to hear You, as You guide us. We have the courage to do what You show us, because You are always with us. You are our Helper, so even if it seems strange or hard, we can reject fear and obey You. This way You can heal the land restoring righteousness, peace and prosperity. We seek Your will to be done here and now, so the wicked are removed and the righteous are promoted.
By Your blessing on Your people, this nation is exalted!
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Once you cast your God-led voting ballot and after the counts are in, know that God is in control and working behind the scenes on our behalf!
Side note: If you've already voted and now feel convicted that you may have voted with your emotions, rather than seeking God, it's not too late. Repent. Ask God to forgive you for going your own way. Be the light!
Selah!
~TC
If you enjoyed reading this WHOAment, you may also like "In God We Trust".
I love hearing from you! So let's chat!
*Are you a registered voter?
*Do you plan to vote in the Primary Election?
*Have you ever ran for Office? (Class President? Valedictorian? Hall Monitor?)
*Which is better? Pepsi or Coke? Cast your vote.
*Which do you prefer? Winter or Summer? Cast your vote.
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