Move Forward.

Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.

–George Washington

            There is no doubt that Tuesday night’s election results were disappointing and depressing for those of us concerned about the morality and values of our beloved country. After a long night of worry, anger, fear, and dread, Wednesday morning left us heartsick, almost as if we’d felt the loss of a dear friend. There is no doubt that losses are one of the more difficult parts of life. I remember watching my little brother lose baseball games. I hated that feeling. I have watched a friend pass on, far too early, leaving a wife and children to struggle with the question of “Why?” I’ve seen a family anticipate the arrival of a new addition, only to be heartbroken by the child’s premature passing. Tears were brought to my eyes while standing in line to comfort a grieving widow, who had been joined in marriage to her soul mate for over half a century. We know the loss of watching the pain of others. We know loss ourselves. No loss is easy, be it the loss of a parent, friend, pet or even job and health.

            Yet, with all the defeat felt yesterday, I was encouraged. Why? How? You may ask. I was encouraged because my brothers and sisters in Christ did exactly what they do in other times of loss. We grieved together, and then we looked to God and His word for comfort and began reminding one another that He is still in control. We reminded one another why we are here: to teach (Matt. 28:19). We reminded one another, that we must cover our elected leaders in prayer (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We reminded one another that this world is not our home (John 14:2-3). We reminded each other that nations fade, but our Savior always remains the same (Heb. 13:8).

            This election may be over, but we do not get to relax. We don’t get to wail and wring our hands. We don’t get to run away. We keep standing for what we believe in. We work twice as hard teaching the gospel. We go back to days of family Bible study. We invite our friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even the stranger in the grocery store to Sunday morning worship service. WE TEACH. Prayer is powerful but prayer alone will not help. Jesus did not tell us to go into the world and pray.

            Get excited and fired up. Something must change in our country. Our government will not change it. Our president will not change it. Only you and I can change it, with God on our side (Phipp. 4:13; Rom. 8:31). It will not be easy. It will take effort and energy. It will take courage and conviction, but the first century Christians did it and we can too. The president isn’t changing, my friends, neither is our commission to spread the gospel. Let’s get to work. Clearly we have a lot of people to reach.

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Acts 5:42