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Dear Shiloh Family,

I’m quite sure Wednesday morning dawned with a plethora of emotions. Many of you felt as if the apocalypse had occurred overnight. Others might have silently basked in a moment of satisfaction. Some were as confused as a termite in a wooden Yo-yo. The election returns left America reeling.

Regardless of your feelings about the results, I need you to know God wasn’t surprised; nor was he wringing his hands in anxiety. He didn’t lose sleep before, during or after the process. He knew the outcome before the vote. In fact, I’m convinced that God had a hand in the final tally. 

Romans 13:1-2: 13 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. NKJV

There is a principle called sovereignty. The sovereignty of God says that He will have His way and get glory even in bad decisions of man. He often uses leaders (even bad ones) to get the attention of his children, bring them back in line, or help them understand His direction. 

Dan 2:20-21: 20 Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. 
21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. NKJV

We have a tendency to allow our emotions to rage and show anger towards those who don’t believe like us or fail to align to our set of values. We even get mad at God the Creator as if He made some awful mistake. However, I must remind you that our wise Heavenly Father uses the hearts of the people in the governing process. 

In 1 Samuel, we are told how God’s people wanted to be like other nations and have a king rather than a prophet. God granted their request, but they had to go through evil King Saul before getting David, “the man after God’s own heart.” Every time the nation moved, the hearts of the people were moved as well. 

Consequently, our job as a church is to focus on the hearts of the people, specifically, the people at Shiloh. We have been planted in this community to be a lighthouse for those who are tossed about. We can fret, complain, and mourn about what’s going on in the world, or we can begin to show the love of Jesus in our families, church, and community. 

We must get back to what is important. The stakes are too high to be playing religion games. Our families must know that our relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in this world, and that begins in his church. Actually, it starts at home on our knees. God seems to be humbling our nation, but we can humble ourselves before almighty God. Humble ourselves and Pray, Pray, Pray!

2 Chronicles 7:14-15: 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. NKJV
 
Don’t pray for change in the world if change is not welcome in your life. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell