Have you ever thought about how leaders come to power? Did Hitler rise to power because of the mistakes made after WWI? Did Stalin rise to power by brute force? Did Elizabeth II become queen by some fluke of inheritance laws in England?
Or did each of them come to power because God decided it should be so?
Daniel knew the truth. He was born in the southern kingdom of Judah, and when Babylon conquered Jerusalem, he was taken captive with many others. Nebuchadnezzar was a brutal king, yet God used him to fulfill his own plan for his people Israel.
God has already decided. That brings us hope and peace; it is all part of God’s plan. It might also make us wonder why we should pray at all – or vote at all.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to pray without ceasing. Never stop praying. James tells us that our prayers are effective. God hears us. We see this over and over again throughout the Bible: Hannah prayed for a baby, and she gave birth to Samuel. Elijah prayed for rain, and it rained. Daniel prayed for wisdom, and God gave it.
As we come into this election cycle, let’s pray that the right person is raised to power, that Christians will stand firm in the faith, and that we will show the world the love of God as we love our neighbors.
Prayer: Dear God, you are good! Your plan is perfect. I trust you to raise up the right person to fulfill your plan. Make me a blessing to the people around me, so that no matter who is in power, people see your love through me. Amen.