The political landscape of 2016 is … discouraging.

One can be easily disheartened following the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, listening to the political ranting and bashing that comes on every network and following the general public’s animosity for the two presidential frontrunners.

Unity seems to be on the back burner.

“Where is God?” people say, and then continue in their rant about the current party system and whatever politician they’re pontificating on.

But, God is here.

In control.  Sovereign.  In the midst.  As He always has been.

Jesus Christ himself, God incarnate, came to us during the reign of Caesar.  Caesar proclaimed he was God, ushering in “Pax Romana” with imperial rule:  the total squashing of foreign countries and the creation of absolute dependency so that they were unable to resist takeover–culturally, socially, economically.  I assure you Caesar’s political moves were much worse than any that would come to us by way of our votes in November.

Despite this, we tend to get discouraged while looking for leadership in the world.  We let fear and anxiety take root deep in our souls, and work our minds over with lies of the most dangerous sort.  That we are powerless.  Hopeless.

We are not.  Not powerless, not hopeless. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37 NIV)

Our leadership and saving grace doesn’t come from the world.

In Romans 12, Paul tells us, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.  Instead, fix your attention on God.  You’ll be changed from the inside out.  Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (12:2 The MSG)

God tells us to call upon His Name.  To pray, earnestly and whole heartedly.  Praying not our answers or desires, but His.  Praying unity.

We are not without help or hope in this fallen, hurting world.

“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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

God is charging His people with the power to change the world.  With prayer and obedience to walk in Love, as He walked.

Have you prayed for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump as much as you’ve posted?  Have you begged God to touch Barack Obama?  To give them eyes to see, to be changed, and to lead in His righteousness?  They need it.  Need your prayers, desperately.

Use your voice, please.  Pray for God-leading in the lives of the Obamas, the Clintons and the Trumps.  469 seats in Congress are up for election this November 8th.  Pray for godly leadership in the lives of those in our Senate and House.  Reach out in Love and Unity to the person in front of you the next time you’re pulled into a political conversation.

Render your heart and your thinking to God.  He is not surprised or shocked by our candidates.  And He won’t be surprised in November.

He is here.  God with us.  Emmanuel.

I beg you to adjust your eyes and see.