I realize that I am about to embark on a journey that will possibly receive criticism and critique from those who normally agree with me and those who never do.  I may find that I have become anathema to both sides of the political aisle and find myself odious to some of my fellow believers.  That being said, I will try to say what I believe the Bible teaches and my view, formulate from that interpretation on the subject.

In Daniel 2:21, the passage that I have heard quoted often regarding political elections.  It says, “It is He (God) who changes the times and the periods; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”  I do believe that God is the Living God, the One True God, the Sovereign God of the universe!  I believe He puts people in political positions or allows them to ascend to whatever office they occupy! 

In the Book of Daniel, we have the record of Nebuchadnezzar, ruler over the Babylonian Empire 600 years before Christ.  This powerful ruler had a dream or a night vision and after seeking the interpretation from the soothsayers of his realm, Daniel gave him the true interpretation.  In Daniel 4:17, Daniel told the king that God gave the dream, “in order that the living may know the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.” 

Nebuchadnezzar was not a nice person.  He was a vicious tyrant who threw people alive into a furnace to be burned.  Imagine that, a dictator or tyrant having people burned alive.  Does that remind you of anyone in modern history?  He even threatened his advisors with mass murder if they didn’t give him the dream and the interpretation. 

We know from scripture that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh in Egypt until Egypt was brought to her knees because they persecuted the Hebrews.  In Exodus 9:16, God sent Moses to inform Pharaoh, “Indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”  In Daniel 2:20-21, we find Daniel declaring that God controls world events, removing and setting up kings.

The apostle Paul told the Christians in Rome, “All authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”  (Romans 13:1) I would be remiss if I did not ask, “Does that mean that God endorses evil leaders with all their flaws and sordid agendas?”  I would insist the answer is NO!  I believe that it means that God has a purpose for humanity, and with America in mind, a purpose for America.  I believe that Romans 8:28 is applicable and that God takes the choices of people and events of life to blend them together with the end in view.  He works all things together for His purposes and our good.  Each thing nor each leader is not good but God as He has done throughout the Bible and history uses them for His purposes.

There are times that God arbitrarily decides who is going to be the leader of any given nation.  I believe that more frequently, He allows people to decide who will lead the nation.  He allows us to make choices, not always good choices, and elect or select people to govern who do not follow the precepts and principles of God’s Word.  I am reminded of Psalms 106:15 referring to the people of God who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage.  In previous verses, we discover the people rebelled against God, forgetting His works, not depending upon Him for guidance, but pursued their own desires.  In verse 15 we read, “And He gave them their request, but sent leanness to their souls.”

Sometimes, in our bad choices or selfish desires, we select or elect bad people to govern us.  God said in Hosea 8:4, “They set up kings, but not by Me; They made princes, but I did not acknowledge them.”  I am not speaking people prophesying that a particular candidate would win the election.  If God said, “Candidate X is going to win, candidate X is going to win!”  The only caveat to that would be if God said, “Candidate X is my desire, and if My people will be obedient and pray, he/she will be elected.” 

I am speaking to the issue of whether we have any choice in who is elected and if God wants someone in the White House or any other office they will occupy that position. He could arbitrarily do that! He is God.  God can do anything He pleases and none of us could question that.  He owns it all, He created it all, and He is LORD over it all.  However, like in the Garden of Eden, He gives us choices and it is in those choices that events transpire.  The fact that something happens does not mean that is His will, it means that is the path we chose.  Sometimes we open the door to evil by making wrong choices or in disobedience.  If we obey, we eat the good of the land.

The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 gave some incredibly wise and godly advice to all believers.  It is applicable for today’s America and those of us wonder what God could be thinking in allowing the destruction that is being pressed upon us as a consequence of the 2020 elections.  He said, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”  I shout Amen, Paul, Amen!

I believe it is necessary that believers everywhere pray for those who are charged with leading the government.  We are not to pray for them to succeed in their agendas if those agendas are converse with the principles of the Constitution or the Bible. 

I am going to tread on thin ice and say that the slaughter of over 61 million unborn babies, the trampling on moral principles, the gender nullification, the assault on the home and family, and the anathema shown toward God and the Bible makes it understandable if God judges this nation.  Peter declared in 1 Peter 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”

In biblical and world history we can see that God has used evil rulers to accomplish His plans and draw His people back to Him.  Habakkuk 1:5-11 is a prophecy in which God relates His intention to raise up Babylon, a ruthless and dreaded nation, to achieve His purposes.  I say that with Romans 8:28 echoing in my heart and encouraging my spirit.  We must never forget the truth of James 1:13 that “God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”

I take comfort in the revelation given in Scripture of the Finished Work of Jesus and His total triumph over the forces of darkness.  People make bad choices and allow evil to prevail but that does not mean that God wanted the evil to transpire or the tyrants to rule.  I believe that He uses those situations to allow people to come to the end of themselves, repent, and realize their need for Him. 

No matter who is in the White House we must never allow fear to reign in our hearts.  We must continue to be rock solid in our belief and confidence that God is God and trustworthy.  I take great comfort in the account in 2 Chronicles 20:1-37 with Jehoshaphat and Israel.  It looked as if certain doom was their fate.  I love the king’s prayer in (vv.6-13).  He reminded God of His promise and the people of their responsibility.  Then a prophet stood and declared the Word of God.  We need to hear God clearly and correctly and then follow His word no matter how things look.  The miracle is incredible and the victory complete!

When we trust God there is no reason to fear!  I do not believe that it was God’s desire for Joe Biden to be president of the United States of America.  However, through many circumstances including bad choices or misguided choices, he now occupies the Oval Office.  What I do believe is that, as in many accounts in the Bible and history, what is meant for evil, God can and will turn for good.  God just may be allowing us to see the depth of corruption, the total abandonment of moral sanity and the Constitution, and when we reach the end of ourselves and turn to Him, He will move!

I believe the most important thing the believer can do today is “Seek God and His Kingdom.”  I believe that we must stand in the gap and make up the hedge.  We must pray and intercede for America.  We must not cast away our confidence in God and make it the purpose of our hearts to “Do His Will.”  We are to be salt and light and we are to influence the world rather than the world influencing us.  Stop listening to the voices that detract from God, His purposes, and promises.  Turn to God’s Word and to God in Prayer and allow your spirit to be refreshed.  We are commissioned to ‘pull down strongholds’, to do the works that Jesus did and greater works.  We are authorized and commissioned to destroy the works of the devil.  We do that with spiritual weapons and trust!

God bless you and God bless America!