Roy Exum: Prayer Over Despair

  • Friday, October 21, 2016
  • Roy Exum
Roy Exum
Roy Exum

As a strong proponent of early voting, I joined hundreds at the Hamilton County Election Commission headquarters on Amnicola Highway yesterday to exercise what I consider one of our greatest freedoms – “for the people, by the people.” Candidly, I have never been as upset or as disappointed over my choices for President in my life. Locally I am fine with our candidates but to pick between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is as distasteful as any ballot I have ever cast and I believe the majority of the American people feel the same as I do.

Then this happened. In my morning readings on Thursday, before I cast my vote, I happened across a blessing. I am at peace with the election. I have long professed that Max Lucado, a gentle pastor from San Antonio, has inspired and comforted me for years (along with 100 million others who have bought his books.)

One of my quiet go-to sites almost every day is www.christianpost.com and wouldn’t you know that Max, my favorite Christian author – strike that, one of my favorite of all writers – had written a guest opinion entitled, “The Answer” to this year’s election.

Please indulge me as I share how Max Lucado calmed the swirling storm that was in my heart. I hope this will provide the solitude it did for me:

* * *

MAX LUCADO’S ANSWER

(From the Christian Post, Oct. 20, 2016)

I have a prediction. I know exactly what November 9 will bring. Another day of God's perfect sovereignty. He will still be in charge. His throne will still be occupied. He will still manage the affairs of the world. Never before has His providence depended on a king, president, or ruler. And it won't on November 9, 2016. "The LORD can control a king's mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases" (Proverbs 21:1 NCV).

On one occasion the Lord turned the heart of the King of Assyria so that he aided them in the construction of the Temple. On another occasion, he stirred the heart of Cyrus to release the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

Nebuchadnezzar was considered to be the mightiest king of his generation. But God humbled and put him in "detention" for seven years. "The kingdom is the Lord's, and He rules over the nations" (Psalms 22:28).

Understanding God's sovereignty over the nations opens the door to peace. When we realize that God influences the hearts of all rulers, we can then choose to pray for them rather than fret about them. Rather than wring our hands we bend our knees, we select prayer over despair.

Jeremiah did this. He was the prophet to Israel during one of her darkest periods of rebellion. He was called "the weeping prophet" because he was one. He wept at the condition of the people and the depravity of their faith. He was so distraught that one of his books was entitled Lamentations. But then he considered the work of God. Note the intentionality of his words:

"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD's loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." (Lam. 3:21-23)

Imitate Jeremiah. Lift up your eyes. Dare to believe that good things will happen. Dare to believe that God was speaking to us when he said: "In everything God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).

Many years ago, I spent a week visiting the interior of Brazil with a long-time missionary pilot. He flew a circuit of remote towns in a small plane that threatened to come undone at the slightest gust of wind. Wilbur and Orville had a sturdier aircraft.

I could not get comfortable. I kept thinking that the plane was going to crash in some Brazilian jungle and I'd be gobbled up by piranhas or swallowed by an anaconda.

I kept shifting around, looking down, and gripping my seat. (As if that would help.) Finally, the pilot had had enough of my squirming. He looked at me and shouted over the airplane noise. "We won't face anything I can't handle. You might as well trust me to fly the plane."

Is God saying the same to you? If so, make this your prayer:

Dear Lord,

You are perfect. You could not be better than you are.

You are self-created. You exist because you choose to exist.

You are self-sustaining. No one helps you. No one gives you strength.

You are self-governing. Who can question your deeds? Who dares advise you?

You are correct. In every way. In every choice. You regret no decision.

You have never failed. Never! You cannot fail! You are God! You will accomplish your plan.

You are happy. Eternally joyful. Endlessly content.

You are the king, supreme ruler, absolute monarch, overlord, and rajah of all history.

An arch of your eyebrow and a million angels will pivot and salute. Every throne is a footstool to yours. Every crown is papier–mâché to yours. No limitations, hesitations, questions, second thoughts, or backward glances. You consult no clock. You keep no calendar. You report to no one. You are in charge.

And I trust you.

In Jesus’ holy name, I pray,

Amen

Circle November 9 on your calendar and write upon it the words: Our good God rules the world.

* * *

To find out more about Max and his servant’s heart, please visit www.MaxLucado.com.

While I am so ashamed of my vote I will not reveal it, I am not ashamed that my faith is in no mortal. Jesus has given me his word that it is He who is my Savior. Nothing can happen to our country, or to the futures of my children and their children, Jesus can’t handle. I am trusting him to fly my plane.

royexum@aol.com

 

 

 

 



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