Elections 101

May 9, 2010

             One more night and the Philippines will have its new set of leaders. As members of the younger generation, what can we do to contribute to make a change? Here are three (3) steps on how to prepare ourselves and our nation for the big event.

 

1.      Pray for the Philippines

Our country is hurt and scarred. Its people are hurting and during the past few weeks, things became more complicated with the coming elections aggravating the burden of the nation.  Issues are everywhere and some remain unresolved. Often we are disturbed by the wailing staccato blasts of anomalies, disputes and even crimes. If there is one thing we could to restore our nation, it is through praying. When we pray, things change. When we pray, we do not change God’s mind but instead we are changed. No one can heal the broken hearts , no one can restore broken relationships and no one can renew the hope of this nation than GOD. In 2chronicles 7:14 it says there,

 

         if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 

        This is a reminder of how great GOD is, that we can let go of all our worries, pray to him about our visions and aspirations , our dreams for the nations and in return have that peace that transcends all understanding. It is in praying that we acknowledge God’s power and might, that we could not do anything without Him.

 

      We all look forward to a great change, a breakthrough if we are looking and praying for a change, then we should start to make the change within us. As Mahatma Gandhi put it,

 “Be the change you want to see in the world”-

 

      And this change that happens within us comes from the life-changing power of GOD. Being changed by GOD means having all the aspects of our lives surrendered to His will and grace. That if we hate corruption, then we should stop sneaking into our parents’ purses; that if we hate corruption too much, then we must stop exploiting others’ possessions; that if we hate lying then we must tell the truth all the time though it may cost us too much. That is change, being a new person with a new heart.

 

2.      Choose wisely

   Having the chance to vote for who we think would best serve our nation is both a privilege and responsibility that is why understanding our purpose is crucial. It is never an accident that we are in this particular country at this particular time of the year to exercise our rights to vote. It is not an accident that these are the people who are running for the position. God has purpose for bringing us to where we are now at such time like this. And it is important to know that God wants us to excel on this particular area just like David who served his purpose in his own generation as stated in the book of Acts

 

“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.

Acts 13:36

 

3.      Trust and leave the results to God

After choosing whom to vote for, there is nothing wrong in supporting them and even campaigning for them. Only that we must take in mind that the future of the nation does not depend on that particular person so if your choice does not win at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. For it is not that particular person, or the one who will win as the president that could save us, only Jesus Christ our Lord. We must put our whole trust in Him and leave the results to Him for He knows what He’s doing. Nothing is an accident , just to emphasize. He is the one who directs the future of nations. In Daniel 2:21, it says there

 

He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

 

            So at the end of the day, it is not human wisdom and man’s will that would matter, but God’s choice for  us. He sets the time, the place and the leaders for the Philippines that’s why we must take heart and trust in His will and wisdom. We must ask God for his guidance and let Him reveal to us His heart, His purpose, and His will. He is in-charge that’s why we do not need to fear. That’s why this coming Monday, May 10,2010 we must be confident in casting our votes and hold firm to His promises of healing and blessing to our nation.GOD bless the Philippines!