Jen Jeffrey Billington: Peace Of Mind – Yes, During This Election

  • Thursday, October 20, 2016
  • Jen Jeffrey Billington

While most are still disheartened with our major party candidates, there is peace in who I will vote for in this presidential election of 2016. 

How can I be so at rest on the matter? Because I am a Christian. No, I mean I am a Christian.  

I don’t just tag it on as a label to differentiate myself from other religions – I truly follow Jesus Christ. I do my best to walk in the path He guides me. I listen for His guidance. 

I devour His word for direction, for peace, for comfort and assurance.  

In His word, He tells us the world will turn their backs on Christians and the truth will be twisted. And so, this is what I have come to expect. 

I do not expect the person who is ‘most presidential’ to win my vote, because neither of the candidates are fit to be the president we all have in mind. 

But that is not my decision.  

If you think who we vote in office is even a smidgen of a big deal – you are not focused on the really big deal.  

God’s Kingdom.  

I mean, that is why we are here, is it not? Did you think it was about you? Your kids? Your grandkids?  Did you think it was about your cause? Your work? 

It is, dear children, about the Lord God Almighty and His Kingdom.  

Our plans? Only a part of the equation as we hope and pray that we are focused on the big plan not only for our lives we live on this earth – but for the Kingdom.  

God has a plan.

He knows who will be America’s president – heck, He appointed that person.  

It is of no surprise to God who will be voted in on Nov. 8. Really. Do you not think He is putting “the big picture’ in place and this little ol’ election of 2016 which has caused fear, panic and hate among each other, is a very small, minuscule event in God’s eyes?  

Not to say at all that He does not care, or that our decisions are not important, but man cannot comprehend the vastness of all that God is. 

What God cares about most is ‘where our heart is’.  

Are we voting for who we are told by peers or family to vote for? Are we voting for ‘who we like’? Are we voting for the person who will make our causes easier? Are we not voting because we have given up on this country’s direction? 

No matter how liberal, how modern and free-thinking you believe you are, this country – The United States of America is a nation under God.  

Don’t think so? 

Do you, history majors, really think you have the ‘facts’ which would prove that our country was not founded on Christianity? Well, that isn’t important no matter if you are right or wrong.  

Because we are a nation under God… and so is every country. Yes, let’s focus on the big picture for a moment. This whole world is God’s - The Creator. 

Whether you believe it or not. 

And so, as I place my vote next month I have peace about who I am voting for. No matter who you or I vote for – the outcome will fit in God’s plans. 

That, I am certain of. 

What I am not certain of, but have a glimmer of hope for, is what I read from James Dobson, stating that Trump gave his life to Christ this year and he is a baby Christian – a changing man.

Did Trump instantly transform into all God wants him to be? No. 

Do you – Christian, remember what you were like when you first gave your life to Christ? Were you perfect? Were you sinless and walked blamelessly?  

Or did it take quite some time as God put you on the refining wheel chipping away and polishing until you shined? Might He still be in that process of your life? 

Some people are saying this election ‘is about the platforms’ and while I believe that is an important factor when deciding who to vote for, I still won’t forget the big picture. 

If Hillary becomes our next president, God meant for her to. If Trump becomes our next president, God meant for him too.  

Why would I worry? Why would I roll my eyes at the ‘mess we are in’ as if God has no control? 

Why get sick to your stomach thinking “If this doesn’t go a certain way, we are hopeless!” Oh friend, please let me tell you about the peace Jesus gives through His Holy Spirit.  

We who are ‘set apart’ from this world though we live in it, must keep focused on the big picture. 
Trump does stand on the platform I feel good about. Trump has been slowly changing before our eyes. What if God could do something radical here?  

Am I scared to take that risk in voting for Trump? Am I not trusting that God is able?  

Who did God choose when He did mighty things recorded in our history? Did He use the qualified? The most likely?  

No. He used the person who He knew would point to his glory. His plan. His Kingdom. 

I am not afraid to vote for Trump, as ignorant as he has sounded. I remember how ignorant I have sounded. I am not afraid to vote for Trump even if his past shame is brought out for the public’s eye (just the way Satan is known to do things as he accuses us all of our past). I remember shameful things I have done.  

I have seen several of my friends (and God bless them) who are so disheartened and confused, they have said they won’t vote or that they will vote independent or write someone in. And, it’s almost as if they were doing what Pilot did in ‘washing their hands’. 

I have read in the New Testament where God used the unlikely – Paul (Saul of Tarsus) a Christian persecutor… who became a Saint as God changed his heart. And, even in the Old Testament we have King Saul who was not a man of God, but God used him and had appointed him King.  

So, I am not afraid to vote for Trump. 

In fact, instead of joining in on the wishy washy rhetoric and complaining lately, I have been praying for both Hillary and Trump. One of them will be our next president and they both can use all the prayers we can give. Because it isn’t ‘about them winning’ - it is about the Kingdom of God in which we are all part of God’s plan. 

How will you vote in this election?  

No that it will matters in the end because God’s plan, no matter how we vote, will come to be, so I am not trying to persuade you or change any of your minds as I write this. The bottom line is – God will appoint the president of the United States of America.  

And, if we don’t agree with Him… that’s okay, because it isn’t about what we think is the right answer, or the obvious answer. He knows what He’s doing. 

And, to be honest? I am kind of excited to watch what God is going to do with this. Even if it means ‘we go through a few storms’… or THE STORM – the final storm. I have peace because I trust God.  

Because, I have seen Him work in my life and change my heart, change my path and do amazing things I thought were not possible. But with God – all things are possible. 





Happenings
Michael Gerard Receives American Police Hall Of Fame Civilian Medal Of Appreciation
Michael Gerard Receives American Police Hall Of Fame Civilian Medal Of Appreciation
  • 3/18/2024

Collegedale officers responded to Garden Plaza of Greenbriar Cove on Sept. 21, 2023, after receiving a report of a missing elderly resident with dementia. The patient had left the facility approximately ... more

New Hamilton County Marriage Licenses
  • 3/18/2024

Here are the new marriage licenses from the County Clerk's office: SCOTT EDWARD KELLEY JAIMIE LYNN PASTORI 2205 JAMES AVE 4203 TENNESSEE AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374156511 CHATTANOOGA, ... more

Chief John Ross DAR Presents Gold ROTC Medal
Chief John Ross DAR Presents Gold ROTC Medal
  • 3/18/2024

Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR had their March meeting on the 13th, and the meeting theme was Women’s History Month. Officials said, "Chapter member, Kay Sencabaugh, presented an entertaining ... more