Welcome back! If you are just joining us, we are using the YouVersion Bible App to follow a devotional together. Read THIS POST to get all the information you need to join in and then you can read THIS MORNING’S POST to see the promises we are focusing on this week.

Did you get a chance to spend some time with this week’s promises? One promise popped out at me because it’s one I have highlighted in my Bible. Another popped out at me due to it’s extreme relevance right now. Which one did I choose?

I can cause bad leaders to do whatever is best. Proverbs 21:1

I think even the most un-political of people have gotten pulled into politics this year. I’m one of those people that doesn’t follow the news or pay much attention to world issues. I know about major stories that come through but I can’t debate most topics because it’s not something that I’m incredibly concerned with. I’m okay with that. When it gets close to election time I do my research on the candidates and pray about whom I should vote for.

This year, for most people, is an incredibly difficult choice. They feel they are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Needing to pick the lesser of two evils (notice how the lesser is still evil, it doesn’t matter). But this verse reminds us that no matter who we elect that God can use this person.

I’m not thinking about God using this person in the immediate sense for the good we think as Christians needs to happen. I’m thinking the long term good, or further down the road good. I think about the leaders that were in place when Jesus was facing his death. Those that loved Jesus didn’t fully comprehend the fact that he had to die in order to save them all – us all. I assume they would have wanted Jesus proclaimed innocent and set free, to continue to live among them and keep teaching about the secrets of Heaven.

Obviously God’s plan was far better and he used those leaders, the high priests, Pilate, and Herod, to carry out his plan. Pilate even said he found no basis to charge Jesus (Luke 23:4). But God’s plan is stronger and the hearts of these men were persuaded by the people. God used these rulers to carry out the best thing that he has ever done for us – the sacrifice of Jesus.

I want to believe that no matter who takes office next that God can use that person to carry out something good. It may not be something we understand in our life but I pray that something will be started in this country and world that future generations can point to and say, “Look at the good that came from that mess.” It’s not the easiest thing to have faith in because of the candidates this year but I trust God and believe his word.

Father God, You know our hearts and the struggle that many of us are facing this year when we approach the voting booths. I thank you that you will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter which person is elected. Help me to fully believe that you can use that person for good, even if we don’t see the good in our lifetime. Guide our hearts and thoughts as we place our votes that they may be used to elect the right person. In your holy name, Amen.