The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [Acts 17:24-26 ESV]
Today I want to look at God’s providence, or the protective care of God. As the elections come closer and fear and stress begin to form inside our hearts and nation, let’s remember God is good. God is in control, and God puts ALL governing authorities in their place. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” [Rom 13:1 ESV] God made everything in this world and He needs nothing. He created every nation and Acts 17:26 tells us that He has “determined allotted periods” and “boundaries” for nations. It literally states God has determined each nation's limited time they will have and the ground they will be allowed to occupy.
God is in control. Whether our nation seeks Him or not, His plan will be fulfilled. A great picture of God’s providence, direction, and control of worldly matters can be seen in the book of Esther.
Esther–a Jew, the queen–was living under a decree that would destroy all Jews within a few months. If you’ve never read the story, I’m going to spoil the end a bit for you. Esther was able to intercede and have a decree written by the king that put himself and all his power on the Jews’ side. Probably the most famous verse from this little book is this: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" [Est 4:14 ESV] God had and still has a plan for the Jewish nation. No human or satanic power could change that plan.
One major reason I love to look at the book of Esther for God’s control is that you find Him everywhere in this book and you find Him nowhere in this book. Esther is the only book of the Bible where God’s name is NEVER mentioned. God and prayer are both left completely out of this book. No one was seeking God, yet God had a plan. It is a picture of God orchestrating all things toward His purpose even when no one is seeking Him. Esther and her uncle were Jews living outside of Israel after the exile and after God had commanded His people to go home. Esther was unequally yoked (married) to a husband who was not of the Jewish faith. Yes, she was beautiful. Yes, she found favor in the eyes of leaders in the palace. Yes, she fasted. And yes, the Jews were saved. God orchestrated all this while no one sought Him.
God has our nation in His hands. He knows our appointed time and boundaries. We pray for our nation’s welfare, for we have Christ interceding for us. “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” [Heb 1:3 ESV] We seek God for who He would call each of us to vote for, and we follow His direction in our lives. “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” [Jas 4:17 ESV] And after all this we can be confident that whoever is elected was placed there by God and not man.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [Col 1:16-17 ESV]
Reflection Questions:
- Is election time a period where stress increases in your life?
- Does knowing God works all things to His purpose comfort you?
As the elections are coming up in just a few short weeks, can you commit to praying for whom and how God would lead you to vote?
Reflection Song:
