I don’t usually get involved in politics. When people ask my opinion on who to vote for, I encourage them to make an educated decision, allowing the Bible to guide them in their decision making process. Our nation just had an election, and my encouragement did not change. However, I am deeply grieved by some of the comments POST election regarding our country, its future and our new leader.

Some of the comments I’ve read have been along the lines of, “Well, there goes our country”. Or, “Our next leader has no idea what he’s doing and will ruin our great country”. Some of the observations may be true. Maybe our new leader isn’t quite ready for the challenge, or perhaps some of his ideas are less than stellar… but it doesn’t change that the majority of Canadians who voted, voted for him. This should be a clear indicator of the spiritual climate that is currently in our nation. Some of the observations that I’ve read on social media are valid and others, I feel, are coming from a heart of fear. Fear of what will happen to our nation. Fear of the stance this government has taken against Christian beliefs and values. Fear of, where does this leave us? Unknowns can be scary. This is what I want to address, the fear aspect and what our response could be. Below are a few thoughts from this election.

• First off, God is not surprised by the outcome of our election. He knew who was going to be our next Prime Minister. He knew his personal and political views. God knew. The word says that it is God who appoints leaders and removes them from power. Daniel 2:21 says, “He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” Have you ever thought, that perhaps this is all part of God’s master plan?
• You may not agree with your government’s policies or like the new leader, but we are called to pray for them and to honour them. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 reads: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
• If you are a Christian, our mandate from Jesus was to go into the world and see others find new life in Him. Your neighbours, friends and family members voted for our new government.   Cutting remarks and judgmental words will not help you reach your sphere of influence. In fact it only leads them to believe or continue to believe that Christians are intolerant. I would encourage you to guard your words and speak truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.”
• The Old Testament is full of verses that encourage believers to never forget their heritage; where we all came from. I want to encourage you to not forget where the church began. In the book of Acts the early church, the bride of Christ, was birthed. It was birthed under a harsh government who had an agenda to annihilate believers in Christ. It began during a season of political violence and chaos.   However, their opposition only created a greater expansion of the church. Our nation isn’t even close to the same atmosphere as the early church time. But even if it were, why are we not excited for the opportunity that lies ahead? Let us not forget what happened to the early church under duress. It exploded, adding to the church daily!

Now is not a time to shrink back in fear of what people will say, what people will do, or how will be judged because of our beliefs. Now is time to stand strong. To speak truth and share the goodness of God. To tell those around us of HIS mercy, HIS grace, HIS love! Now is the time to stand in the gap for our nation in prayer. Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee!