God is not surprised by our current Presidential candidates — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Businessman Donald Trump. Daniel 2:20-21 says,

“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…

So if God is not surprised, why are we as His Body surprised? Both Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump are VERY human and VERY flawed — equally as human and equally as flawed. I am not surprised at them — their words, choices, or actions — but I am taken aback by the vitriol and hatred coming out of the believing community directed toward both of them — dividing the Body into Republican Christians and Democratic Christians as opposed to Citizens of the Kingdom first.

What if this — these two nominees — is part of God’s shaking for you . . . for us . . . for the Church, the Bride, the Believers? Paul quotes God as saying,

“Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:26-27)

Since he is going to shake the earth, will you be the one shaken and falling and lost . . . and removed? God uses times like these to show us what’s in our hearts and minds so that those feelings and thoughts can be mended through repentance! We are even in the Hebrew month Elul — which is a time dedicated just for repentance and turning to God. When the disciples wanted to know if they should pay taxes, the Lord said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Your heart is supposed to be His. His words  . . . yours!

Judgement begins first in the Household of God (1 Peter 4:17), and it is the Body which is first judged. Is this season not our judgement? Is this not our shaking?

This is what God has asked of us, yet from what I see, hear, and read, we are not doing it:

• First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,… (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
• “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17)
• “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2)
• “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (Romans 13:1-2)

He didn’t tell us to laugh over their sickness, pray for their destruction, hold them in derision when they err. Heckle them, make them the brunt of our jokes, hope they die . . . He said to pray . . . and honor . . .

He’s shaking the earth and the heavens because there must be a distinction between His Bride and the World.

But from what I see, we are behaving the same.

After the shaking, the only thing that remains is the unshakeable Kingdom of the Son. Are you in?

PRAYER: Father, forgive us, your Bride, for speaking evil of President Obama, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump — and then for perpetuating that evil. Help us to pray for them and trust that the one whom You will use to hasten Your return is the one You will place in office. Then, give us the grace to pray for our President, even if he/she is not our choice. We must believe it’s Yours! Help us to trust You!