Even as I’m typing, I don’t want to write this post.
However, I’ve gone through a lot the last few years and this year in particular from back problems to the usual 2020 drama like the rest of the world. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that in all circumstances, obey God. So, when God says “write,” I write.
Last Sunday morning while co-teaching a middle school girls Sunday school class, I talked a lot about standing up for Jesus and no being ashamed of Christianity. Then, I followed by saying I was still not one to fly Trump flags, etc. due to all the hate people have shown on both sides of the political spectrum right now. Even living in rural Alabama, there is plenty of hate running both ways.
Never in my life have I seen our country more divided over everything from public policies to wearing masks. And the last thing I want is to open the door to any haters. At least, that’s the reason I hid behind. In truth, I recently became a published author and feared voicing my opinions (rather convictions) might kill my book career before it gets started.
What if Facebook shuts me down? Then I can’t run book ads or communicate with my readers via my page. What if Google pushes my SEO so far down the line that nobody can find me on social media searches? What if nobody wants to publish me again?
Fear.
This past week I’ve listened to way too much online news and allowed fear of the unknown to wear me down. But tonight I’d had enough. I went to my room and cried and journaled my concerns to God, which is my way of fervently praying.
I felt God tell me to stop worrying. He had this. And, deep down, I know He does. But that doesn’t make going through it any easier. I repented for letting my faith waver and for looking to the news or polls or anything else other than God.
I can’t know or control how the election will end. (Or when it will end!) None of us can—not even the candidates. In the end, only God knows who will ultimately win this election. He isn’t worried and He isn’t shocked. He planned it all long ago.
The part I, along with all other believers, need to play is to pray for our country and stand up for Godly principles.
For me, that means if God tells me to share my faith, I will do so. I should look to Him as my source and provider, not Amazon or Facebook, or anyone else. Besides, my books mention God and my newsletter includes prayer requests and a weekly Bible verse. Eventually, readers (and publishers) will know where I stand and for Whom I stand. And by that I mean God.
I treated this election like any other. I voted for the candidate who best represents the principles and policies I value. For me, that meant voting for Trump. I would’ve loved to see him pull off an easy win, but he didn’t. Still, God is in control. No matter how everything ends, He will take care of His children.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
