In turbulent times…
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 ESV
She closed the exam room door quietly and efficiently as she greeted me, then sat momentarily, reviewing my patient file. When she looked up, her face was grave and drawn. There was no hint of the friendly, congeniality she usually wore.
Then she asked, “How are you dealing with the results of this election?”
Not what I was expecting. I stammered, “Well….”
She quickly continued, “I know you’re a Christian. So, based on that point of view, how do you feel about the election results?”
I’m sorry to report my initial response was not well-considered or prayed over.
I cited three questions my pastor had suggested before the election that could help us (the congregation) make God-pleasing election choices. I agreed with his suggestions and thought the questions summarized my personal selection criteria well. So I shared the questions with her and said those questions had confirmed my evaluation of the candidates and the issues.
Even as I spoke, I could see this was not the answer she needed. Her shoulders squared, and her body stiffened. She was ready to debate how her party met the criteria so much more than the “other party.”
This time, I prayed before speaking.
“During these past days, I reminded myself frequently that God is in control. He was yesterday. He is today, and He will be tomorrow. I trust God and know the election outcomes are in His hands. God is in control—no matter who sits in the President’s chair. And I find great peace and comfort in that knowledge. I can rest in that. I find hope in that.”
Her shoulders dropped, and her body relaxed. “That’s exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.”
We spoke a little longer before continuing with the reason for my visit. When my appointment ended, the doctor shook my hand (for the first time in ten-plus years) and again said, “Thank you.”
Solid arguments, as well as the pros and cons, are essential. Knowing the facts and figures to support and prove a position is crucial. However, logic and fact-based rationale offer no comfort when the issue is a matter of the heart. Nor do logic or facts always produce peace and hope. My doctor needed all three—comfort, peace, and hope.
Looking back, I see my two glaring mistakes.
FIRST: I should have clarified her question to understand better what she was asking and why she was asking it. Had I done that, I would have realized she was looking for hope and comfort in light of what she considered a distressing election outcome—she wasn’t asking for logic-based reasoning or a discussion or dissection of the election. She needed to find peace.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
As believers, we can offer the precious hope of Jesus Christ to those who are hurting, suffering, and in need of true comfort. But to do that, we must be present in every moment—attentive to those around us. Sensitive to the needs of others. We must also be willing to initiate conversations or prayerfully respond when an opportunity arises.
How do you prepare to speak of your hope in Jesus and the peace He alone gives?
- Know Who you believe.
- Know what you believe about Him.
- Know His Word.
- Know a God-given opportunity when it presents itself.
- Know that God will provide the words or actions needed when you make yourself available.
“Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20 ESV
SECOND: I should have prayed before speaking. If Nehemiah can send up a quick prayer before responding to the question of a king (Neh. 2:1-5), I can take a second to pray before answering a doctor. A prayer-pause is almost instantaneous—a heartbeat or two. A heartbeat is more than enough time for God’s Holy Spirit to give you the words He wants to be spoken.
Here’s the secret-that’s-not-a-secret: keep the lines of communication with God open, clear, and flowing.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 ESV
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 ESV
These are indeed turbulent times on every front—natural disasters, political “uncivil” discourse, financial instability and uncertainty, culture clashes, international wars, and the deconstruction of faith in the spiritual arena.
In times such as these, people need HOPE—people long for PEACE of mind and heart. We who wear the name of Jesus know that He is the only source of eternal HOPE and lasting PEACE. In Christ alone, we can find true COMFORT.
Now, more than ever, we must be ready to listen, faithful to engage and speak, instant in prayer, equipped in the Truth of God, and always prepared to share the comfort, hope, and peace found only in our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV