I have a confession to make, I was previously addicted to talk radio. For some reason, the rants, rambling and occasional logic intrigued my mind. Throughout the recent presidential election, opinions were not reserved regarding political persuasion or support. The rhetoric became increasingly hostile from both sides on various media fronts. I found myself instantly turning the radio on each time my car resounded its faithful starting sequence. Never mind the fact that God has been dealing with me regarding filling my mind with stuff constantly and my apparent fear of silence.

Finally, God punched through my “concern” for political events and I stopped listening – to the chatter. Over the past couple of months, the verbal lashing has only increased. Political polarity pushes the nation to increased emotional involvement and outright hatred. Sadly, believers get caught in this rhetoric as well. Don’t misunderstand, I have opinions and convictions but we, the church, must recognize the danger of all-out personal involvement. It is easy to forget the mission that is irrespective of politics or government. I needed a change of perspective.

The book of Daniel is an intriguing and powerful story of God expertly weaving his people to influence in an ungodly nation. In the middle of the book, Daniel confronts the King of Babylon, the most powerful nation on the planet. King Nebuchadnezzar declared this statement, “At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king answered and said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”’“ (Daniel 4:29-30) After this statement fell from his lips, God spoke and moved! Nebby was driven from the palace and lived like an animal ”until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever he pleases.“ (4:32)

The most powerful man in the most powerful nation in existence found himself eating grass like a cow because he chose to take God’s glory for his own. God probably doesn’t regard our hearts any different if we find ourselves blanketed by a label of Republican, Democrat or Independent. The desire of His heart is that His name be made known and glorified throughout the nations. Through prosperous times, uncertain times, bailout spending and tax cuts, God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to whomever He chooses! While I find great joy and responsibility in casting my vote, I find much greater pleasure and peace in knowing that after the last vote is cast, God places the leader. While I can’t make sense of that entire process in my mind, I find my soul at rest knowing that the greatest mission of making God famous persists regardless of world events and circumstances.

God made every man and woman in His image, for His glory, and He passionately pursues a relationship with them. May our hearts and minds be filled with dreams and passions worthy of the great King we serve, Jesus. It is always a great time to make Him known. God making an old heart new is change I can believe in.