If God is For Us

October 13, 2024

I am a watchman, and that is my calling. I watch for dangers, threats, and any events that might cause harm. Another aspect of this job is to listen intently and purposefully to what the Holy Spirit is saying.

I've been listening for directions and instructions from Father. My job is to warn and share what I've seen and heard, and to sound the alarm if necessary. This morning, I have one job: to give a warning and offer encouragement.

As you know, the prophets of old would bring both warnings and encouragement. Obedience is not always easy, but it is necessary. So, this morning, I'm simply going to be obedient. What I'm sharing is without judgment or accusation.

During these eight years as the teaching elder in this fellowship, there has been one topic I've avoided: politics. This message is not about politics, politicians, or policies. It's about prophecy and the upcoming election in 22 days. The choices we have are not simple or clear-cut, and the stakes are high. The rhetoric has caused a lot of distrust in the government, the political process, and each other. As a believer, I have experienced a lot of distress.

As a watchman, I watch and wonder about the possible outcomes and what the future holds. There has been an unprecedented amount of division within our nation and families. Differences of opinion are tearing families and fellowships apart, splitting our nation in half. Everywhere we look, there's a distortion of the truth trying to persuade opinion or dissuade belief. There's no lack of deception, half-truths, and outright lies are being spread in public, speeches, and print. As a believer, I struggle, and I'm certain I'm not the only one experiencing these feelings. I asked Father what we are supposed to do, and he simply said that believers need to pray for discernment.

Discernment is a valuable commodity, and it appears to be in short supply. In these difficult days, it is imperative to remember that our hope and future are not dependent on the choices or actions of men. Our hope and future are only dependent on God himself. If God is for us, who can be against us? We find this verse in Romans 8:28. The Word says we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, those who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son. Those he predestined, he also called, justified, and glorified. What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

These are comforting words in difficult times. Many people view the current cultural struggle as an epic battle between good and evil. The urgency to triumph is tantamount to survival. But perhaps the best way to see a path forward is to look back into history. Two hundred sixty-one years ago, our nation was engaged in a Civil War, dividing households, families, and the nation. Both sides fully believed that God was on their side. Abraham Lincoln made a statement in answer to the question, “Is God on our side?” He said, “We trust, Sir, that God is on our side, but it's more important to know that we are on God's side.”

Looking further back, we find Joshua standing on the eastern side of the Jordan River, preparing to move into the promised land. He saw an imposing figure with a drawn sword and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man answered, “Neither, but as the commander of the army of the Lord, I have now come.” God was on neither side. The key was that Joshua needed to be on God's side, fighting God's battle with God's strength. The same is true for us today.

In 1 Samuel 17:47, it says, “For the battle is the Lord's, and he will fight it.” Jesus, when talking about the end times in Matthew 24, said, “Watch out that no one deceives you.” There is a lot of deception out there right now. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs to deceive, if possible, even the elect. This is why we need to pray for discernment.

We need to be discerning people, understanding what the Spirit is saying. Moses, in Exodus 32, stood at the entrance of the camp and cried out, “Whoever is on the Lord's side, come to me.” They had to make a choice. Jesus said in Matthew 12, “The man who is not on my side is against me, and the man who does not gather with me is really scattering.” It is imperative that we are on the Lord's side.

We find the answer to what the Lord's side is in the mission of Jesus. In Luke 4, Jesus said, “I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to the other towns as well, because that is why I was sent.” Jesus' priority was the Kingdom, and our priority is the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God does not espouse hatred, judgment, or mistreatment of others. It does not divide families, nations, or fellowships. The Kingdom of God is not dependent on an election. It depends on our obedience to his word and commandments.

During these difficult times, we need to listen intently to what the Spirit is saying. We need to be on the Lord's side. In 2 Chronicles 15, Azariah, an ordinary man with an extraordinary message, went to King Asa and said, “The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” This sounds a lot like what we see going on today. We find ourselves longing for truth, waiting for a move of God, searching for righteousness, and hoping for justice. Father is saying this is not a political issue, but a Kingdom issue that only the King of Kings can resolve.

On November 6th, the day after the election, half of the population will be disappointed, and the other half will sigh with relief. On January 20th, 2025, Inauguration Day, the world will not end. Life will go on, and we will adapt. Regardless of those two days, Father's will cannot and will not be thwarted. The actions of man will not stand in the way of what God has planned. In Daniel 2, we read that God changes times and seasons, deposes kings, and raises up others according to his plans. His will not be thwarted.

God chooses whom he raises up. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things. It may seem like the world is dark, but God is light, and all light dwells in him. The prophecies in Revelation and Daniel will come to pass regardless of the choices and actions of man. We need to take heart and be encouraged. When we are weak and confused, we need to find our prayer closet and pray for discernment, revival, and the healing of our land.

We find our strength in prayer, laying our concerns before Father. We will find clarity on our knees before God. This is a Kingdom issue that only our King can resolve. In Daniel 2:44, it says, “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a Kingdom that will never be destroyed.” This Kingdom will last forever. In Revelation 11:15, it says, “The Kingdom of God has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he shall reign forever and ever.” This is our hope and future.

We live in difficult times, but we can rest assured of the outcome. Father has it all in hand. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be given to you as well. Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The Kingdom of God is within us. We are not to be afraid or distressed. We are to trust and pray for discernment and for God's Kingdom to come.

Father, thank you for your word. May we turn our eyes upon the cross and heaven, blocking out the noise around us. Grant us discernment, still our hearts and minds, and show us what we need to be doing. Remind us that our job is to share the good news that Jesus Christ is King, that there is redemption and new life through his sacrifice. Let your Kingdom come, and your will be done. We pray for the healing of our land and that your purposes will be accomplished in this nation and world. We give you honor and glory. Amen.

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®

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