“The Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes.”
Daniel 5:21, NIV
Just in case you hadn’t noticed, let me point out to you that it’s election season in the U.S. That means TV and radio ads filling the airwaves. It means flyers and campaign letters filling our mailboxes. And, for many, it means stress filling their souls.
- Who should I vote for?
- How do I know which candidate is the right person for the job?
- Who will serve us best?
- Who does God want me to vote for?
And, then, the fear-filled question:
What happens if the wrong person wins?
This is not the blog post I was going to write for this week. But my blog series on thoughts from Daniel, and my present study of the book of Romans, and the timing of our elections all came together to solidify into these thoughts. You see, the Lord God is sovereign over all.
So, as Christians, we have to ask ourselves, Can the “wrong” person win?
Perhaps in our eyes it may at times seem as though that’s what’s happened. But what about in God’s eyes?
If nothing else, the book of Daniel teaches us that God is in control—of everything. Of everyone. Including who sits on the throne. Even when it doesn’t appear that way to us.
In our case that means God is sovereign over who resides in the White House. He is sovereign over who inhabits the governor’s mansion. He is sovereign over who sits in the seats of Congress. He is even sovereign over who is in the mayor’s office and on the local school board.
Do you believe that?
Or are you wondering if what was true in the Old Testament is true today? God says it is, teaching us this same truth in the New Testament. In the book of Romans, God makes sure we can’t miss the point by leading Paul to state that truth six times in just four verses:
- “ Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (13:1)
- “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (13:1)
- “whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted” (13:2)
- “the one in authority is God’s servant for your good” (13:4)
- “They are God’s servants” (13:4)
- “for the authorities are God’s servants” (13:6)
The whole passage (Romans 13:1-7) is worth reading in order to get the full picture of what’s being taught here, but the point is very clear. God establishes who is in authority. He is has a plan, and He will carry out His sovereign will. He is carrying out His sovereign will.
The Old Testament makes this quite clear (again and again, not just in the book of Daniel): God appoints those who rule. And the New Testament lays out that same truth. Yet, are you still wondering if it applies today? Does God have the same power He had in biblical times? Can He—does He—establish the authorities that rule over us? To be truthful, what that is really asking is this: Is God the same today?
Praise God! He is the same! We can rely on Him and on His Word. And this is some of what His Word tells us:
- “I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)
- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
- “the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change” (James 1:17)
Again I ask, Do you believe that? Do you trust that God is indeed sovereign over all? Can you rest in that truth?
I encourage you to do your research and to prayerfully consider who to vote for.
I encourage you to then go and cast your vote.
Then, when you hear who has won, I pray you will trust God and His Word, and that you will believe that the one given authority is the one God has placed there—even if that’s not the person you voted for.
And I pray that that knowledge will fill you with peace, for your sake, for the sake of those around you in this world, and for the glory of our Lord.
There are many around us who are searching for peace, who desperately need peace. When we live out our fait–fully and in all areas of our lives, those around us will be able to see that peace that passes all understanding (even surpassing our own understanding). They will see and they may ask you about that peace they see in you. When they do, you can share how you came to have such peace, and you can tell them how they too can have peace. You can tell them about the God who is sovereign over all.
“Now may the God of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Soul Refreshers for your week:
- If you are still struggling with this truth, take some time praying that God’s Spirit will guide you into all truth (John 16:13), and that He will fill you with His peace.
- Remembering that those in authority have been placed there by God, take some time to pray for them.
- I encourage you to memorize a verse that will remind you to remain at peace, no matter what the circumstances are. Maybe you would like to memorize one of these:
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
- “the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes.” (Daniel 5:21)
- Are there other Bible verses you turn to when you need encouragement, peace, or reassurance that God is indeed in control of all? Will you share it with us in the comments?