I’m really unsure of how to begin today’s post, so I will just dive right into what’s on my heart.  Over the past 48 hours, I have been extremely sad over the condition of our nation.  I am relieved that election season is over and I’ll be honest; I am thankful for the outcome of the votes.  In the days and weeks prior to Election Day, I have prayed like never before and felt such an urgency to intercede for our country.  I truly believe that God intervened on our behalf and for that, my heart is full of praise.  But not long after the results were announced, I felt compelled to pray once again.  We are not out of the woods by any means.  As Christians, we need to continue seeking the Lord and asking for His guidance.  I believe the days ahead will require much wisdom and discernment; and that only comes through the Holy Spirit.

Today, I briefly logged into Facebook and quickly regretted that decision.  My news feed was overwhelmed with hateful comments and unnecessary posts.  This was not a particular group or political party, as the comments sounded the same across the board.  Those on the left are outraged and afraid for the future.  While I’ve seen those on the right arguing and sharing opinions that add fuel to the already extremely hot flame.  Our country was divided on Tuesday and it may be even more so today.  And my heart is broken.  Not for myself, but the generations coming up behind us.

As I talked with Jesus today and prayed for America, I felt Him say this…..Have you prayed about it as much as you’ve posted about it?   I too have been guilty of wanting to defend the Word of God or challenge someone who is being offensive.  I can recall having to apologize and even delete my own comments.  But what I have realized is that the gospel doesn’t need defending.  The Bible says it is a “two-edged sword”, not a butter knife.  Yes, I 100% believe in standing up for what is right and declaring what God says about the subject.  But, rarely do conversations on social media prove to be beneficial.  It is the goodness of God that draws us to repentance, not sarcastic remarks or being proud about the outcome of the election.  We are to be light in the dark, salt in a bland world….not to cause others to stumble.

King David was said to be a man after God’s own heart; despite failing miserably in his personal life.  But God was faithful to restore him and here is why: he repented.  David cried out and asked God to purify his heart.  And with that, He had God’s attention.  My prayer is that that would become the cry of our hearts, starting with my own.  The only person I am preaching to is myself, because I desperately need to be more like Jesus.  Instead of getting swept away by the current events, I am asking to be consumed by His presence.  Instead of harboring bitterness to those who disagree with me, I long to have the heart of compassion.  I want to see the harvest, just as Jesus does.

My hope is, that as Christians, we can lovingly demonstrate the grace of God.  That we can unapologetically declare His Word, without comprising character.  That we would hit our knees instead of the computer keys.  That we would log off of Facebook and hide away in our prayer closets.  America needs a change of heart; and that can only come through Jesus Christ. He is the author and finisher of our faith; and I’m relying on Him to complete the story.