Belief Is What We're Fighting For

I have been internally debating whether or not to address this issue, simply because I hate politics, but it is something that I feel strongly about so here it goes...

This past Tuesday night many were expecting to witness history. Intrigued by this, I watched as our new president-elect addressed the American people. In watching this I made a few observations: 1) he has an amazing speech-writer, 2) he definitely has a gift for public speaking, and 3) this one is the big one, the reason for this post:

As I watched the cameras film the crowd so many, many people were moved to tears, first at the news that Barack Obama won the presidency, and second at his appearance and speech that same evening. I was so deeply saddened while watching, not because of who will become the next president, but because of the look in the eyes of each person I saw. No one will deny that times are tough right now, as a nation and individually, more than anything people are filled with an overwhelming despair. They are looking for something - anything to believe in that will give them hope that all is not lost. The truth is Barack Obama was in the right place at the right time to seemingly offer people the hope they so deeply longed for. We know that at the end of the day he is human just like you and I. He will fall short, as we all do, he will disappoint these people that believe so strongly in him. God humbled and convicted me as I watched this and that is what I want to share with you.

As Christians we have the Bible that guides most of what we believe and at some point we all feel the need to impose these beliefs on others. I'm not saying that we need to be ashamed of what we believe, I just think we need to refresh our approach. Instead of preaching at people about who or what they should vote for, why didn't we (myself included) simply talk to them and tell them that in the midst of all the chaos surrounding us I have an unwavering peace? Why wasn't it us who were there at the right place at the right time to introduce them to the One true hope? I'm going to risk upsetting some but at the end of the day what does it matter who or what we vote for if at the end of that very same day people are living their lives outside the wonderful grace of God.

Things in the economy could get worse or they could get better, we don't have to sweat it because our hope is in Christ. Barack Obama could be one of the worst presidents in history, or he could be one of the greatest, we don't have to worry because our hope is in Christ. Life as we know it could end, why stress?...our hope is in Christ. Are you kinda getting the point?

People everyday are still looking for something to believe in. Something they can be a part of. Something so much bigger than themselves or their hardships. We have the answer for them, but instead we just tell them that they voted for the wrong candidate. We see and meet these people everyday, we are in relationship with the One they need, we NEED to step up and show them the path to Him. We NEED to tell them that the world could fall to pieces around us, but we know that All things work together for good, to those who love God. They NEED us to lead them to the cross, to the feet of Jesus where they can cast all their worry, stress, and concern and in exchange receive a peace that transcends all understanding. In the words of my dad " The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing"

I pray that God helps each and every one of us to be made aware of the people that He places in our path everyday that need Him. May we see the world around us through His eyes.

I encourage all of you to stay open to the hand of God that will lead you to be a light to the people that need Him. Because we all do. Can you imagine how you would be getting through these times without the hope of Christ? I just don't think I could survive, in fact I know I couldn't, so how can so many people?

Answer: They just haven't met Him yet. Make the introduction.