The one thing most people fear the most is CHANGE.
Usually the one thing that makes a person want to change is when they can no longer tolerate their current circumstances. When it is more painful to continue in their current direction, than it is to move onto something new.
Yesterday, millions of people let their voices be heard, voices stating that they no longer could tolerate the current circumstances of our nation. They are ready for change, and their decision will be written in the history books for many future generations to read and discuss. Prayerfully, changes will happen that will unite this nation, and return us to our spiritual foundation of a Christian nation.
Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it. (Churchill)
Let’s look at an historical case of unrest in a nation. In I Samuel 8, we are introduced to the nation of Israel. They have gone through many trials, many struggles, and years of endurance. They have fled the land of Egypt, gained entrance to their promised land, had many judges lead them, and sat under Eli’s leadership. Eli raises up Samuel, and now Samuel, their spiritual authority and leader is growing old.
The people of Israel want a new leader, and none of Samuel’s children are fit to take the job. So, they ask Samuel to go to God and provide them with a king. A king would be something new for their nation, as they have always been ruled by judges or spiritual leaders. They simply wanted to be like everyone else.
“Go ahead and do what they’re asking. They are not rejecting you. They’ve rejected Me as their King. From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they’ve been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they’re doing it to you. So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they’re in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they’re likely to get from a king.” (I Samuel 8:7-9)
America bears a resemblance to the nation of Israel. Americans, early settlers of this country fled suppression by other nations, they came to a promised land (America), and they worked towards establishing themselves as a nation. We established the office of President, and the foundational laws of our country. America has been looking for a leader, a leader that is different from previous leaders, a leader that can unite us as a country and bring change. Not necessarily change that is within God’s plan, but change that is within our expectations.
God provided Israel with the leader they wanted. They picked Saul, a “most handsome young man. There was none finer—he literally stood head and shoulders above the crowd” (I Samuel 9:2).
Was he the best qualified? No.
Was he who the people wanted? Yes.
The people looked at the outward appearance of this man, and deemed him worthy as their king.
“Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)
God is not only looking at the heart of the leadership of this nation, He is looking at the heart of His people. God is looking for a people who will not compromise His Word, a Word that has been proven true, time and time again.
As we enter this season of change, do not fear…but instead take your lead from Samuel. Shortly after Saul was pronounced king of Israel, the people realized the error of their ways. They sought Samuel’s counsel once again:
“Fear not. You have indeed done all this evil; yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve Him with all your heart. And turn not aside after vain and worthless things which cannot profit or deliver you, for they are empty and futile. The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake, for it has pleased Him to make you a people for Himself.”
(I Samuel 12:20-22)
Fear Not – change is coming, but God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Continue to seek Him first through this time of change and know that God will redeem His people.
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Well said. No matter what happens in our “world” God is still in control.