ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

The Battle Ends in Victory Romans 13:1b The authorities that exist have been established by God. In the Old Testament, when King Uzziah died, the prophet Isaiah became discouraged. Uzziah had been a good king who loved God. Isaiah was concerned that without Uzziah's strong leadership, the government would fall apart, and 51 years of progress dissolve into ungodliness. Isaiah brought his concern to the Lord (a good example for us). He went into the temple and came before God's presence. What was revealed to him? Isaiah 6:1: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple." In other words, only Uzziah had died -- not God. God continued to be in control. He was still seated on the throne, the battle won. All too often we become fearful and concerned. Especially when our favorite political party is exchanged for the next. A friend of mine calls our two party system "Republicrats." Why? Because, from his perspective, no matter who is in power, the policies are ultimately the same. Although I see some truth in this, my trust is not in one political party versus another; nor is it in general skepticism over the whole process. Rather, my trust and confidence remains in God. Because no matter what happens, He remains on the throne. He rules and He wins. We Christians know how this all turns out: God wins, we win, sin is defeated, and we live eternally with our Lord and Savior. It kind of changes our perspective if we know the battle ends in victory. Are you living as a victor or a victim? What drives your outlook? God's promises or something else? POCKETPOWER.ORG