Friday, November 4, 2016

When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart by Melinda Viergever Inman



Melinda Viergever Inman

When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

As far as we know, the election on November 8 will not end the world as we know it. Believers have been given far worse choices in elections in modern history and have survived far worse leaders in both ancient and modern times. Neither Hitler nor Nero is on the ballot. Thank God.

But the fact that the church survived under these notorious leaders should give us hope. Nero was Emperor of Rome as the New Testament was written and the fledgling church established. Yet all proceeded exactly as planned by a sovereign and merciful God.

Maybe our two reprehensible choices this election cycle will finally open our eyes to the fact that we are not saved by our politicians, nor can we ever be. Our political leaders will always be a disappointment, compared to the One who is to come. When Jesus returns His reign will be just, righteous, and holy. There will be nothing that will let us down. We won't have to settle for this, so we can have that.

In this messy election season, one of the nastiest we've ever seen, it has calmed and reassured me to focus on the goodness of a sovereign God. Last first Friday of the month, I wrote here about the intentionality of Christ as He aimed Himself toward the cross. My focus now is on the intentionality of God as He works His plan to bring about the second coming of His Son.

None of us know the day, but it will come. With just as much intentionality as was demonstrated when Jesus set His face to go toward Jerusalem and His death, He now orchestrates what must be in place politically and nationally in order to usher in His return. Our elected leader is but one piece in this puzzle. One event builds upon the next until The Day comes, whenever it is, in our lifetimes or much later.

Since Jesus ascended, all of earth's events have been coordinated to bring about the next part of God's plan, the culmination of our union with Christ forever. Thus, we pray for guidance as we make our choice this election season. We attempt to align ourselves with God's will. We write about our turmoil of mind and our indecision. Some may write to persuade others. Some will focus on turning us to the Lord. Our creative efforts may even halt briefly, so we can pray, think, and decide.

We question our leaders. We consult the Word of God. We consult our consciences. We do the deep internal work of realizing that there is no "right" choice, yet we must choose. We listen to God's Spirit and to one another.

Some of us may not vote, for our consciences will not allow it. Some may write in another name on the ballot. Some may choose from the four offered candidates. Each of us will try to be pleasing to God. This is good growth for the American church. God is not the God of only one political party. His kingdom is another kingdom, separate, pure, and righteous. As believers, we are His, and no others.

Seek the peace and prosperity of our nation as you vote. Trust a sovereign and good God to work all things together for the good of those who love Him, no matter who is elected or how earth shattering the election outcome feels. God is still in control, and He has a plan. It is well with our souls.




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Love takes action: The Creator God establishes the cosmos and shapes a man. Adam rises from the dust. Envious, the powerful angel Lucifer despises him. Oblivious to the threat, Adam is captivated by his strong, intuitive wife Eve. In the Garden of Eden, they enjoy abundant food, gorgeous vistas, and intriguing challenges, including their budding love and passion. They have it all!

But Lucifer’s deceptive brilliance tricks them into disobeying God. They eat the one forbidden fruit. Their innocence is shattered. Their unity with one another and with God is destroyed. Death will follow. Lucifer’s jealousy threatens mankind’s tenuous beginning. But God is merciful. What astonishing promise does He make? How will Adam and Eve survive—broken, shattered, and separated from God?



Melinda Viergever Inman was raised in a storytelling family. There her roots were sunk. During years of relocation, tragedy struck. Wounded and heartbroken, Melinda forsook her roots and ran from herself and from God. A journey of trial and heartache brought her home again. A prodigal now returned, she writes with passion, illustrating God's love for wounded people as He makes beauty from ashes. Fallen is her second novel; Refuge, the sequel, is her first. Melinda shepherds women in prison ministry and writes inspirational material at http://melindainman.com/blog/.  With her family she is involved with Mission India/RIMI, rescuing orphans and providing theological and job training for impoverished students.

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