By Bryan Ridenauer
Guest Blogger
Yesterday, I wrote a semi-controversial post identifying God as the reason President Obama retained his position as Commander-in-Chief. Some responded with language inappropriate to repeat, blaming “brainless followers” of Obama as the impetus of his re-election. Let me reiterate, Daniel 2:21,
“He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings..”
God allows men to come to power, and God deposes men of power…in His time. Yes, mankind steps behind the voting booth curtain, but God retains all authority. Romans 9 speaks to this issue as well. Verse 17 says,
“For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Even though approximately half of the electorate bemoans a second Obama term, God’s pulling the strings to accomplish His purpose.
Now, does that mean that America’s facing a rosy future in the short-term? Absolutely not. If the movie “2016” correctly prophecies the next four years, this Country’s facing desperate times, possibly comparable to the lean years of the Great Depression. Besides economic turmoil, the President’s ideology asserts the government’s responsible for dictating every iota of the citizen’s life, a definite departure from a democratic republic. Apparently a little more than half the electorate embraces the government’s intrusion, voting for the President who promises “stuff”. But remember, God permitted Mr. Obama’s position in the Oval Office. As God raised up Pharaoh at a particular point in history to carry out His divine plan, He’s allowed the President a second term to advance His divine course as well.
Should we expect difficulties? Certainly. Jesus promised,
“In this world you will have trouble.”
But Jesus adds a word of encouragement,
“But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
The battles’ looming won’t be decided by barroom brawls or caches of weapons. God encourages preparedness, but the forces waging war exist in the spiritual realm. Ephesians 6 details the means of fighting the invisible minions of Satan’s lair:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Author’s Note: You might enjoy reading Author Amanda Beth’s blog series on the Full Armor of God.
America’s facing a spiritual blitzkrieg of epic proportions, won by people equipped and clothed by the full armor of God.
Why did God allow the President a second term? Only God knows the outcome of His permissive will, but I wanted to list some concluding speculative thoughts on the matter:
1. Disciplinary action against a Country far removed from the holiness to which He calls His Church
2. A time of refining for the Church.
3. God’s using this period of history to instigate a revival in America; utilizing a time of great depression and upheaval to turn people’s hearts once again to Him
4. We’re living in the last days, the final moments before Christ’s return
The prophet Isaiah encourages us with these words: Chapter 46: 9-10 reads,
“Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.”
No matter the turmoil surrounding us, God’s in control. Prepare properly for the battle at hand, and watch Him win the victory!
For His Glory 
Excellent post! I look at this election as the great wake-up call we need to consecrate our hearts to the Lord. This country needs tribulation. Look at 9-11. I was amazed how every channel you turned on during that time someone was talking about God. Actors and Actresses who normally talked vulgar were saying “God bless America.” But then a few months later they returned to using God’s name in a curse word instead of praising Him.
Persecution will also do the church some good. It will humble us so God can display His power through us. I’m excited to see what lies ahead because I know God is going to do an amazing work in the body of Christ. We have seen a great decrease in the church today. The disciples faced hard persecution but the church also grew like crazy. That’s what I feel is going to happen with us. We shouldn’t fear. We should be excited to see God move powerfully through us.
Thanks for sharing, Bryan! And thanks, Steve, for linking to my series. Blessings to you both!:)
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You are so right, Amanda. We don’t know the meaning of persecution in this country. We need to be knocked to our knees if we are ever going to wake up. You’re right. We need a wake up call. It will hurt, but we need it.I think we may be seeing the birth pangs beginning now the way we’re headed. Thank you for your timely comments and your encouragement. God bless you.
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