On the 6th of November, America held our presidential election. As an American, I took part in my duty and cast my vote. Alas, my candidate did not win. And I am concerned about what President Obama's next four years in office will bring to my country. That day split the country in half, and we are divided. Is this good? Of course not. A divided house shall not stand. Therefore, it is our job as Christians to pray that God will guide our president, even if he wasn't our first choice.
I understand that many are upset at this. But, the upset is normal, because it happens every year with a party. This year, it was our side that was burned. But does this mean we should take it out on others? No! They made their choice, as was given to them. They, as Americans, did their duty to select who they believed was the best choice for the country. I believe that Governor Romney would have made an excellent president, but he made some mistakes in campaigning which hurt him. I am concerned about Obama's next four years, naturally, because I am a pro-life Capitalist who believes that marriage is strictly between a man and woman. On the subject of pro-life, capitalism vs. socialism, and gay marriage, I take my views from the Bible. So, if you want to see what I believe, look there. However, while I am nonetheless concerned, I am not worried, or, rather, afraid. I have peace. Why? Because God does all things well.
He knows everything that will ever happen. He knew how this election would turn out, because He knows every man's heart and mind. He knows every thought that enters our heads, every decision that we will ever make. And I know that because I live in a different country, and not America, currently, some will say, "well, you can say that because you don't live here." No, I would say that even if I did live there. What happens in America affects us over here. It can affect political relations between countries, and it can affect our salary, if you will. As missionaries of the United Pentecostal Church International, we are supported by individuals and churches who choose to send money to us to support our work here. These individuals work, they feel the strain of a tough economy, and therefore we do also. However, when things are rough, that is when God does His best work. Everything He does is incredible, but, you understand how it is. In tough times, any good thing that happens becomes the best things. I can attest to it.
Before I go on a rabbit track, I should like to say something. Again, God does all things well. And, perhaps these next four years are what we need to turn the country around again. Sometimes things must become very bad before they turn very good. We, as Christians, have four years to pray, fast, seek God's face, and fight for what we believe in. There is no more standing around to be had, ladies and gentlemen, fellow Christians. It's time to stand up for what we believe in, like the Christians in the New Testament times. Yes, they were persecuted. Yes, they were thrown in jail. Yes, they were scorned and mocked. Yes, they were even killed. But, I would rather die knowing that I defended my faith, rather than step aside and let the world become worse than it already is. Fellow Christians, it is time to suit up. I have a feeling that during the next four years, we will have to fight. BUT! Let us not forget to do it with the love of Christ. While we fight, we must still inhibit all of the fruits of the Spirit. ALL OF THEM. We cannot simply choose one. One is not enough... we must have them all. So, quit your complaining, put on your gloves, and let's go to work.
Oh, one more thing. What are the fruits of the Spirit? Galations 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." We should always have these fruits in our lives, correct? So, what about joy? Do you think that complaining is having joy? If you answered no, then you are correct! Nehemiah 8:10 says, "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Wait, what was that? "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Okay, so, if we have joy, then we have strength from God. Does anyone know what is that kind of strength? I do. In the last few months, I have hit some hard times in my life. Because of this, I have learned what true strength, God's strength, really is. It is the ability to have your entire world falling apart around you, and those around you know it, and yet still you get up every day, put a smile on your face, and choose to be happy nonetheless. You see, people can't make you happy. You can choose that they be your happiness, but that doesn't last. You must choose to be happy for yourself. But that is true strength... not hiding your problems, and not letting them hang out for the world to see and complaining. It is to walk through the difficulties of life with a smile. Because, it is easy to moan and cry and complain when those around you know you are having difficulties. And sometimes it is good to talk about it and cry, but don't complain. Instead, end on a positive note. "I'm having a hard time right now, but I'll be alright. I know it will get better." Try it next time, and you'll notice a difference in how you feel. The joy of the Lord is our strength. When we have God's joy, we have strength and happiness that will always last. And when we have strength, we can walk through whatever comes our way, and end with a smile and a kind word.
God knows what He is doing. Therefore, we simply need to rely on God's joy and strength to see us through the hard times. And we also need to prepare, for the time to stand up for our faith may come very soon.
Have a lovely day!
Candace Nicole
