The Scriptorium

America votes. Millions of people are heading to the polls to decide who will lead our country for the next four years. Current polls indicate America will choose Obama by a landslide.

Many Christians detest such an outcome. The way some have been talking lately, you’d think the world is ending tomorrow. (Though we don’t know the day or hour of the world’s end, I don’t believe an Obama victory is a sure sign of its ending tomorrow).

I personally believe Obama is going to win this election (though by a slightly narrower margin than predicted). And believe it or not, I am quite content if he does. Reading my Bible lately, I realize that God is still Sovereign despite who is in the White House. Therefore, why am I going to let my faith be shaken by a liberal president?

Maybe, just maybe, Obama is the best thing for the Church in America. Think about the worst case scenario: persecution. Every time I see persecution in the Bible or in history, the Church grows and is purified. Do you think the Church in America needs purifying?

So let’s say Obama wins and begins some form of persecution on the Church. Is that outside of God’s will? I think not.

What if in God’s perfect will, Obama is the BEST possible thing for Christians in America? Obama, though pressing an agenda we oppose, could be the best gift to the Church in years. Read the history of the Old Testament; God uses even the most despicable rulers for the good of His people. Think about it.

If McCain wins we’ll probably see banners outside churches that say, “Pray for the President.” That is great; we are commanded to pray for those in authority. But will we see those same signs if Obama wins?

So my conclusion is this. Accept whatever the outcome of the election as a good gift from the hand of God, recognizing that all things work together for good to God’s people. Recognizing that even bad leaders can be a gift from God to the Church, don’t complain about the wrapping paper.