I’m old enough to say I’ve never seen a presidential race quite like this one. There are so many factors in play making what we are witnessing seem more like entertainment than the electing of an individual to confidently lead our nation. Opinions in social media are abundant and run rampant through our social feeds and news outlets. Every opinion is boldly yelled to sway the general population to a solidified conclusion and acceptance of each party’s agenda and desire for America’s future.
As the church of the living God, we must remember that our words sourced from God’s word still hold power and the ability to produce change. That prayer still manifests healing and makes explosive power available for our land and circumstances that can alter the course of the world. If we are on this planet, then we have a say in the development and outcome of our individual lives in the social and political arenas we occupy.
Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed with reports of a spreading wickedness. Yes, it is at an all-time high, but the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you making you alive! As He is, so are we in this world. We will shine and push back darkness with all authority until He calls us home. John 16:33 tells us that the environment that we have been commissioned to is overcome by tribulation, distress, and frustration. This is not a prophecy or prediction that we should fear, but rather a call to take courage, for Jesus has overcome these and has deprived them of power to harm you, having already conquered it for you!
I believe a great awakening is taking place. God has reserved for Himself a remnant that has not bowed their knee to the world system and is still walking in the anointing and assignment that God has given them. I’m not quitting, and I know you’re not quitting, so together we will put the devil on the run and see miracles and victories that Christ has purchased for us!
In 1 Kings 18:20-41 we read one of my favorite Old Testament stories. Elijah finds himself on the top of Mount Carmel for a great fight between Gods. If you have time, I encourage you to read the complete chapter for context.
Elijah had summoned King Ahab, the children of Israel, 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah. The reason for this assembly was the hearts of the Israelites had grown cold, having fallen prey to the deception of false gods and becoming callused to the plan and purpose of God.
To start the meeting Elijah quickly grabs the gathered multitudes with a substantial question that demanded a response. We see this in 1 Kings 18:21 which says, “How long will you falter between two opinions?” In every situation that we face in life, there is a physical opinion and there is a spiritual opinion. We are caught amid these and will be forced daily to choose which one we will allow to solidify as reality in our lives.
James 1:7-8 Talks about a double-minded manthat through unbelief isunstable in all his ways. This verse encourages the importance of our union with God’s word through reading and meditation. The reality is that the world is begging you to receive its opinion based on “facts” of current economic and political events that predict a mirage of success but lacks the structure to produce adequate help or hope to sustain you in the future. If we are not watchful, we will become like the children of Israel denying rights and privileges given by covenant, wavering between truth and lies. I declare Hebrews 10:39, “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”
Proverbs 29:25 in the Message Bible says, “The fear of human opinion (natural thought) disables. Trusting in God protects you from that.” That is so good! Someone’s opinion of you, your life, your situation that is outside of God’s word literally is a trap. It is given to take you captive and take control. The humanistic worldview that clouds the minds of those apart from God will boast of great feats but will lack ability and power to produce.
After Elijah asked “How long will you falter between two opinions…” he then opened the floor to prove the true God. I believe we are living in a time and season where people are looking for real power that can deliver them from the torment and suffering they face. Elijah, in 1 Kings 18:24 says, “…and the God that answers by fire, he is God!” Fire fell that day and the hearts of the Israelites were turned towards God. In Acts 2 the fire of God fell again, and we are still living in its revival if we choose to align ourselves with such an opinion!
John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” The word glory here is the Greek word, doxa. This word literally means, “opinion”. Glory is given to each child of God because of the finished work of Christ that produces a favorable opinion of man, reinstating them to their rightful condition and position. As Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise and shine; for your light has come! And the glory (God’s favorable opinion of you) of the Lord is risen upon you.”
Don’t live between opinions, choose! The enemy wants you to accept its view that holds you captive in oppressive sickness, poverty, and death dominated by the rhetoric of suppressed truth void of joy and peace. But God’s will is full and abundant life that liberates into full health, provision and life which lives outside of the chaos and deterioration of this natural system. We are in it, but not of it. We are agents of change powered by the glory of God, God’s favorable opinion that guarantees our success and well-being no matter the war that erupts around us. God’s opinion matters and if received will change everything.