Now What?

It's over. The presidential election, with its $2.4 billion spent on advertising and rallying the people to vote, has accomplished its course. The nation has elected a new leader to guide and shape the direction of the country over the next four years. You may agree with the outcome; or you may, as some are prone to do, live in denial for a short time. Regardless, the truth is: the people spoke and the results are final


So now what? Well, if you find the outcome favorable, you can rejoice and be excited about the first African-American being elected president. You can look forward to "Change we can believe in." You can pray that the promise of a brighter day is held.

But what if you don't like the outcome; what if you fear the results of the election and the ramifications on your everyday life? What if you worry that there will be no real change - at least not for the better? What can you do?

The answer is simple. You pray.

I know that sounds "churchy" and you expect me to say that, but why would you pray if you disagree? Wouldn't it be better if you let things run their course so you can sit back a few years from now and gloat that you knew better? It may seem that way, but the Bible counsels us differently:

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

When Paul wrote these words to young Timothy, life wasn't the greatest and kings were part of the problem. Kings require taxes, young men to fight battles and can force people to give in so that the king gets his own way. Paul writes to Timothy to remind him and his church to pray for those in authority. This point is easy for all to concede, everyone can accept that we must pray for our leaders. But what do we pray?

Paul lists four elements that remind us of the all-encompassing nature of prayer, but that is a discussion for another time. Rather, I want to look at the outcome of the prayer for the kings or the ones in authority.

First, the outcome is good for us. Paul writes that we are to pray "so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness in dignity." Pray for President-Elect Obama and his future staff that the decisions they make will be profitable for the country. Despite what you think he may have in mind to accomplish, his authority is given by God (Romans 13:1) and therefore Mr. Obama is under the powerful guidance of praying people! His decisions are under the sovereign supervision of the Supreme God, not the wishful whims of the Supreme Court or any other influential entity.

Secondly, remember your true citizenship. I'm not talking about defecting to another country here, I'm reminding you of your citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. Paul states in the fourth verse that God wants all people "to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." As important as the election of a president is, it pales in comparison to the importance of salvation. God has blessed America so that we can carry the banner of the gospel to all nations and to every street in this nation. Proclaim the good news of salvation despite your concerns with the outcome of the election and let God be glorified in your attitude and actions.
Don't allow the devil to turn you into a mercenary of defeatism constantly belittling the president of our nation. Pray for him. And in turn, know that God is sovereign and will continue to bless you so that you can continue to share His love with a lost and dying world - starting with the people on your street and mine.