My Opinions & God’s Power – Guest Post by Leah Barnard

Leah is a dear in real life friend of mine. She recently moved away. I still don’t like to think about that. She has such a sweet heart for God. I know you will be blessed by what God is teaching her through this presidential election.

My Opinions & God’s Power

As the final presidential debate drew to a close, I found myself in the midst of a political debate with family. Like mighty rushing waters, the negative opinions flowed from my lips. “I haven’t heard any real solutions to any of our country’s problems” and, “I can’t believe he would dare to say something like that” I babbled.  The waters finally calmed that evening, but the Lord would not let me rest until He dealt with my heart.

With the presidential election only days away, it’s hard to escape the political commercials, discussions, and even Face Book comments.  As much as we would like to shut it all off, we can’t escape it.

I was always put off by all the political hype in my younger years. My skin would crawl every time I heard the debates and I would immediately change the channel.  When people shared so openly about their political opinions, all I could ever hear was, “Blah Blah this and Blah Blah that”. But this year is different. The Lord finally got my attention and I am aware, now more than ever, of my lack of prayer for our government, our leaders, and all public affairs of this country.

As I crawled into bed, the night after the debate, my tongue had stopped but my heart felt heavy. God convicted me of my sin – my loose tongue, my lack of prayer for this country, and the fears of this world I allowed to grip my heart. The words of Ephesians 4:29 and 2 Chronicles 7:14 dug a pit of conviction deeper and deeper into my heart.

I am ashamed to admit, my prayer life has often been lacking, to say the least. If God could replay my prayers, for me to listen to each and every one of them, I have no doubt, they would sound something like this, “Me, me, me, I, I, I, family, family, family”….prayers for the needs in my comfortable, familiar, and private little bubble.  Occasionally there are those quick prayers for a friend, lost person, or missionary but those prayers are few and far between. And beyond that place of comfort and familiarity, well, forget about praying for this country and our leaders.

In the midst of conviction and reflection, God’s voice was so clear. “I’m on my throne no matter who is in office, Leah”. Can you hear Him proclaiming?:

“I was on My throne when Pharaoh wouldn’t surrender.

I was on My throne when Saul didn’t follow My instructions.

I was on My throne when Pilot washed his hands and sent My Son to the cross.”

God HAS always and WILL always remain on His throne no matter who is our leader.

I can’t help but wonder, what would happen if we spent as much time praying to the One in control of all, as we do ranting and babbling about things that are out of OUR control. It’s often as if we are shaking our fists at God saying, “My opinions are more important than your power”.

Yes, we should vote, but we are not in control of what happens beyond the ballet.

Yes, sometimes it feels good just to “vent”, but in our venting, do we negate God’s Word that tells us:

 “Do not let ANY unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” Ephesians 4:29

“Do everything without complaining or arguing…” Phil 2:14

Nowhere in scripture, are we ever commanded to be opinionated, gossipers, nor complainers. In contrast we are commanded to PRAY.

“Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

PRAY CONTINUALLY

Do we truly believe the promises of God’s word which say: 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

The 2012 presidential election is upon us, but through it all, we must remember who is ultimately in control of ALL. The direction of our nation does not lie solely in the hands of the White House. Change starts in the individual hearts of each and every follower of Christ. We must be honest with ourselves, and ask the difficult questions:

AM I humbly walking with Jesus daily?

DO I pray CONTINUALLY and seek His face?

HAVE I turned and repented from my wicked ways?

Then, the cry of our hearts must be, “Oh God, who sits on your throne now and forever more, please forgive us for forsaking our first love, forgive our sins, and heal this land!” 

Leah Barnard has been a major part of leading ladies of all ages in the local church for the last several years.  She has been married to her husband, Spencer, for 12 years.  They oversee the Student Ministry of The Church at Battle Creek and Mid-Town in the Tulsa Metro Area.  With 3 beautiful children, Hannah, Jordan, Solon, and one on the way, they are helping those that are far from God to experience life in Jesus Christ.