Voting with God’s will in mind…

 

We have a civic election coming up in our city so I spent time finding the names of candidates  running for council for our section of the city wanting more information about them as well as the people who are running for mayor and other positions. Lots of names, lots of rhetoric. Voting is difficult for several reasons. I do not know any of the people running for office, hardly anything about their track record, personality or character, nor the reason why they want to be in office.

I do know one thing: God makes it clear that He is sovereign and that He “executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.” (Psalm 75:7) Whoever wins in elections or loses is ultimately up to God. He has a plan for our city that no one really knows, except that His will is done. That means, at least in my thinking, that civic leaders should be people who want to do right, to be righteous in their decisions and actions, and wise and responsible. Maybe some of those listed on the ballot will be, yet maybe none will qualify and only push their personal agendas. Knowing who is who is not likely — unless the Lord speaks to me.

I’ve had specifics given by the Holy Spirit in other ways, like when to get out of the grocery store, or seeing a book that seems to say “buy me” and turns out to be a very wise purchase. In a recent prayer gathering, we were told to pray with another person that God puts on our heart. Immediately a name came to mind and I found her and we had a short discussion and prayed. It was a precious prompt from the Lord.

I could pour over the list of candidates, look at their photos, read their promises and use my own impressions on who to vote for, but this time I will ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5–8)

This means faith. I might let doubt into my head if a candidate’s photo reveals a negative expression, or their background appears to have a bias, or some other information unsettles me. But I know the voice of God. Arguments with Him never turn out well. So for this election, I’m taking Him with me to the polling station and asking for clarity about who gets my vote that fits with His will.

PRAY: Lord, I know that “God told me…” is not always considered a reliable way to make choices, yet You have said “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) May You open my ears to be a good listener and do what You say without doubt or any concerns. You know who You want to be raised up — and I trust You.