04 Nov Election 2020: Why would God allow *THIS* person to be elected President?!

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21 (NIV)

*** SPOILER ALERT *** Per IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit rules and my personal ethics, this update mentions no specific political candidate nor does it endorse any candidate/party. Lastly, the 2020 US Presidential election wasn’t yet decided when I posted this update.

Years ago, when I was trying to sell network equipment to Gannett, the publisher of USA Today, a purchasing agent taught me an important lesson. Media companies boasted surplus operating budgets in election years due to political advertising: that’s when many people rediscover the news again. The year I pitched them was an off-election year.

I didn’t make the sale and walked away empty-handed.

Yesterday, millions of us voted and woke up to find we feel a bit empty-handed as well: no winner nor loser declared in the US presidential election. It’s still true, however, that US presidential elections bring out not just media dollars but also bring out the best…and worst in us. But there’s a question in many of our minds…

Why would God allow THIS person to be elected President?!

It’s a fair question.

To answer it, we recall the prophet Daniel’s words to king Nebuchadnezzar, then the world’s most powerful ruler, just before Daniel interpreted the king’s mysterious dream. 

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21 (NIV)

From this Scripture I derive three points I’d like to share to answer this fair question.

#1 God changes times and seasons

With COVID19, strained national economies and personal budgets, riots, and widespread mistrust of people and government, it’s easy to become disheartened. Further, candidates and talking heads often fan the flames of dissension, playing many of us like out-of-tune harps.

Why would God allow this?

We live in a fallen world! When Adam and Even disobeyed God to follow Satan, sin entered the world. From that day forward, the effects of sin taint our lives and experiences. At times we seem to have the Midas touch not of gold, but of destruction.

Not to worry: God is still sovereign, which means He’s still reigning, still in charge, still on the throne. God has already initiated a rescue plan! This should comfort us. God will change times and seasons to accomplish His purpose of bringing glory and honor to Himself. And though times and seasons change, the LORD never changes (Malachi 3:6).

#2 God deposes kings and raises up others

Regardless of who captures the White House, there will be, at best, smoldering angst in many and, at worst, widespread violence, looting, and destruction. Many say they voted for the lesser of two evils, some actively supported one candidate or another, and a few others refused to vote. Regardless, we want a President who will unite us, not divide us. We want a President who will justly govern, not dehumanize us.

Why would God allow THIS person to be elected President?!

To answer that question, consider these facts:

• After King Solomon’s death in 931 BC, Israel was divided:
  • ten tribes formed the northern kingdom and
  • two tribes formed the southern kingdom.
• While the southern kingdom had a few kings who followed God, all 19 kings of the northern kingdom over a span of ~212 years refused to follow God.
• That 212 years is comparable to the length of time the United States has been a nation!

See where I’m going with this?

God allowed evil kings to rule Israel, God’s chosen people, for over 200 years! Yet, as Daniel spoke, God deposes kings and raises up others, just as He deposes presidents and raises up others. King or president, God will work through each of these leaders to accomplish His purpose. As some say, tongue-in-cheek, God does the best He can with what He has to work with!

#3 He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning

So, when will we know who wins? Only God knows.

And how are we to live out our lives in light of who wins? Thankfully, God has shown us.

Above all, God commands us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And God commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. It really is that simple. But we become simpletons when we become wise in our own eyes. In fact, we become fools when we…

• ignore God to follow our ways,
• hate others, and
• refuse to live in peace in our thoughts, words, and actions.

In short, God gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning! Pursue God wholeheartedly and gain His wisdom and knowledge. That will give you peace of mind and heart regardless of who is elected President and whatever circumstances arise.

Hallelujah, King Jesus reigns forever!

Challenge: Pursue God wholeheartedly today by loving Him and loving others.

Joyfully,

Travis L. Zimmerman

Pastor, Co-Founder