There is a saying which says, “You should never talk about religion or politics.” Well, I figure I have already talked about religion so I might as well talk about politics. Isn’t it amazing how the enemy has gotten us as a society to not want to talk about the one who rules over the universe and the one who rules over our nation? Pretty clever, I say.
This time of year, I can’t help but think about the story in Genesis where God is debating with Abraham about destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 18:20-21, NIV says, “Then the Lord said, ‘The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.'” Then Abraham says in Genesis 18:23-26, NIV, “Then Abraham approached Him and said: ‘Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing-to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?’ The Lord said, ‘If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.'” Abraham and God debate back and forth as Abraham asks God to continue to lower his number of righteous people needed to be present in Sodom in order to spare the city. The conversation ends in Genesis 18:32, NIV which says, “Then he (Abraham) said, ‘May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.'”
Isaiah 55:8, NIV says, “For my thoughts are not Your thoughts, neither are Your ways my ways.” I cannot say that I can even image what God might be thinking, but in my mind, this is what I think I can see God saying about our nation right now.
You have stood by while over 50 million of my unborn children were killed, but you want me to protect your children and keep them safe? You worship the mountains, wildlife, vegetation, and the seas, but you don’t worship the one who created it? You want to take my name out of your schools, off your money, out of your political debates, and out of your pledge, but you want me to bless your nation?
My friends, we need to be praying for this nation and this election. For many years, I have fasted and prayed during gubernatorial races, presidential primaries, and presidential elections. I don’t say that to be toot my tiny, little horn. I am saying it to challenge you to fast and pray. How important is it to you or to the future of your children? Have you prayed about who God would have you vote for, or do you have your mind already made up? Have you prayed for God to spare His judgement on the United States and spare it on account of the righteous that are here who do love Him, are serving Him, and want to make His name known?
God and His word is the only compass you need. Does your candidate line up with biblical qualifications or worldly qualifications? I encourage you to fast and pray and to get serious. Give up desserts or coffee until the day after elections. Give up something that is a sacrifice for you. It has to cost you something. Every time you have a temptation to eat a dessert or a cup of coffee, that is your reminder to pray. Fast on election day from all food. Please check with your doctor if you have health concerns. We need to be on our knees and on our face asking for His intercession and favor for this nation. It is that important.