TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• It’s hard to believe it’s Friday. But it’s also hard to believe it’s November. What a week. What a year. I guess a chaotic, contentious election is par for the course.
This week has been full of anxiety, prayer, tension, more prayers, and as I listen to conflicting reports — a reminder that NOTHING in this world is guaranteed or forever. Our only hope is found in Jesus. He’s the only one who cannot and will not let us down.
For many of us, we’ve lived in a bit of a bubble. Born in 1974, my memories/understanding of country and government don’t really kick in until the early 80s and the Reagan administration. I remember watching President Reagan and the clear love he had for America when he spoke.
Then, in school, I loved American history — from the Mayflower to the Revolutionary War to the Civil War — I’ve had a lifelong fascination with how our country was shaped and founded. And I grew up with the belief that America is #1. The greatest country in the world! I have been patriotic my whole life, proud of my grandfather, who fought and served as a Marine in the Korean War.
Then, years later, I remember the spirit of patriotism that swept through America in the days and weeks that followed 9/11. We cared. Back then, a short 19 years ago, we were united. We sang along with Lee Greenwood, and we meant every word, “I’m proud to be an American!”
But, this week, a movie line keeps going through my head. Spoken by Annette Benning’s character in “The American President,” she said, “How do you have patience for people who claim they love America, but clearly can’t stand Americans?”
And that’s what I see. Self-serving career politicians, leaders, and biased, disdainful, and disrespectful journalists fuel the fires and ignite the bitter hatred of division. And the trickle effect comes down and divides families and destroys lifelong friendships. These people claim to love America, but they clearly hate Americans. I hear people who speak empty words of love and tolerance, which hold true until someone has a different opinion. The hypocrisy that runs rampant in this country is staggering. Lee Greenwood must be crying in his guitar. Soldiers must be turning in their grave. Our forefathers who built our country must be weeping from the dust.
This is not the America I’ve known and loved for years.
And as I’ve sadly remembered what was, the Lord has reminded me of what is to come. Let’s read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. It says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
I know how I want things to be, but that’s not how they are. My hope in America is faulty. But my hope in Jesus is real.
My citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). And what is here and now is irrelevant when compared to eternity.
Before I wrap up, I want to encourage you to go to YouTube this morning and search “Francis Chan Rope Illustration.” Click on the one marked original. It’s just a little over four minutes long. Watch it, please.
We may grieve over the state of our nation, but someday, none of this will matter. What matters is Jesus. Today, tomorrow, and forever. My allegiance is to Him, and my hope is in Him. I may not always understand the circumstances, but I will trust Him anyway.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for being the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Confess your fears to Him and renew your commitment to trust Him. Together, let us praise Him that no matter who our president is, Jesus is our King.
SHARING ••• My Grace-Full Life is written by Denise Heidel. You are welcome to share anything I write, but please credit my writing and graphics accordingly. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Subscribe through my website to have My Grace-Full Life delivered to your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the NKJV translation.
