Test of Fire

Zechariah 13:9 - I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, "This is My people'; and each one will say, "The LORD is my God."' 

I wept as I watched a powerful video, Test of Fire, I receive via email. Here it is. These days my heart has been contemplating all this nation has been, how it was originally started and for what reasons. It was to escape oppression. It mimics the escape God allowed Israel when they were held captive, in bondage and slavery in Egypt. And God allowed their exodus with the hope of the Promised Land. 

Although they wandered 40 years because they managed to quickly forget Who removed them from their oppression, the next generation, who wasn't even in Egypt, made it to the Promised Land which is now known as Israel where they would create for themselves a new life in a new land in new freedom. Isn't that like what those first pilgrims did when they came over the Atlantic and toughed out their first years in America but established a new life? They came here for their religious freedoms. God wanted even disobedient Israel to have the opportunity to turn back to Him and removed them from their bondage that they could worship Him in freedom.

And so we became what the world has known as a Christian nation. However, I wonder how many people around the world see us that way now? We have distorted truth, blatantly going against the commands of our God, the One who is supposed to be our highest authority and who has been booed and eliminated and trampled on by those who do not recognize Him. Oh yes, we came here to freely worship and little by little that freedom is being removed. I will hold my tongue regarding the matter of others' ability to worship freely...it angers me too much.

Trust me, God sees. God knows. God is keeping track. In this video were the words that struck me the most: Your vote will affect your freedom…and be recorded in eternity. Will you vote the values that will stand the test of fire? How we vote WILL be seen, known and kept track of by an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful God. Although neither party is perfect, one stands more strongly for morality and biblical principles. In order to understand those biblical principles we must believe that God is our true authority. We must put Him on the throne of our lives as well as our country. We must trust in Him for our provision. We must know Him intimately. We must know His Word and what He tells us about who we are in Him, how He takes care of His children, and the nation(s) who call Him their God.

Removing God, voting against His principles is not a good idea. Eternal futures are determined on our choice. Although many know the difference between right and wrong, there is an even greater understanding of why we should be making wise choices when we know God's view on them. We can read the Bible and read the words, but that greater knowledge comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, which indwells each person who has received Christ. Just like the Holy Spirit indwelt Jesus, when He shed His blood on the cross, that same blood spiritually begins to flow through our veins when we receive Him. 

This week I also saw an article with a reminder that it is God who appoints and deposes rulers. Those who have not read these biblical words may say it is we people who vote them in. But there is so much about God we just do not fully understand. He directs even those individuals' votes. Like I said, there's a lot of God's word we have to take by faith. If the Bible says it, it's true. Period.

The article used these scriptures that explain this: Daniel 2:20-21 - Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. 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. As the article went on it was a sharp word on our upcoming election. Even the media are saying it will be a close election. And no matter what the outcome, we must believe that God has a reason. 

Whoever God appoints as our leader in the next election will be part of His plan. It gives me chills up my spine, either way. And it came to mind also that we are, as difficult as it might be, to be obedient to the "king" not matter who it is because it is our duty, because he IS God's servant, His choice, His will. We are seeing the last days being played out before our very lives. Our Lord is getting closer to His second coming. Life is all about Him. It's not about us, our desires, our power. In a way life is a test to see who will respond to God's call. It's about knowing the truth about eternal life and living here on earth following His commands and sharing Him with others. It's our relationship with the Almighty God.

Truly we are being faced with this Test of Fire. It is imperative that at every election that we vote godly principles. That is our command. Whether our votes bring in the candidate of choice or not, if we have done this, we have done God's will. 

I praise my God for His infinite wisdom, for His grand design, His plan for us. My prayer is that more people will begin to understand His ways, recognize His truths, submit to the King of all kings, the Almighty Ruler, full of integrity...not at all like any man.

Psalm 7:9 - Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.