Daniel 2:21 “He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
History is being made right now. For the past two weeks our country has been glued to the television listening to prestigious speakers tout their reasons for choosing their party’s presidential candidate. The speeches are vicious and persuasive as each tries to convince the nation to vote for their candidate of choice.
These decisions are crucial as they will determine the path our nation will take. Many are concerned, even scared, about the results. Our future President will hold the power to influence and enforce laws that affect our rights as US citizens. He or she will heavily impact the morality of our nation. He or she will direct military strategy for our protection against terrorists. And he or she will make decisions that will require great wisdom and integrity.
Listening to the people involved in this presidential campaign, one gets a real sense that they believe they have great power. Each candidate feels that they have the experience, the money, and the backing to win the race. I wonder if any of them realize that they are where they are by appointment and that the outcome of their political races are already determined by Someone much greater than they?
This is not the first time in history that a country hung in the balance because of its leader. During the days of Daniel, the great king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He awoke during the night and his mind was troubled, so he called the palace magicians to tell him what he had dreamed and the meaning behind it. The proud king threatened to execute all of them if they did not give him the details and meaning of his night vision by a certain time.
This decree spread panic among all the wise men of the country. They were doomed with no chance to survive. This foolish directive would also affect God’s prophet, Daniel, and his friends. So they began to pray that God would reveal everything the king wanted to know. During the night God gave Daniel the interpretation which changed history and resulted in the deliverance of all the wise men.
Though Nebuchadnezzar thought he was in charge, Daniel did not fear his anger and rash decisions. He knew that His God was truly in charge. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in the darkness and light dwells in Him.
If only we would take this truth to heart we would not fear the upcoming elections. Each candidate is in place only by God’s appointment. He will give them their positions and He will remove them at His discretion. The Sovereign Ruler of the earth, the Almighty God, can overturn the decisions they make at any instant.
History is being made right now, but it is not being guided by the candidates for the United States presidency or the citizens of the United States. Turn on the television and watch without fear. Our God, the God of Daniel, is still in control. – Love, Mama