Election Day 2020…No surprise to God

Today, Tuesday, November 3, 2020, is Election Day. This is no surprise to anyone in America. The Bible-verse-for-today couldn’t be more appropriate. It was Roman 13:1. But in typical Stephanie-fashion, I couldn’t just stop at verse one. I read through verse 7, and actually slid into verse 8. Please read, meditate, and pray on these verses:
All of you must obey the government rulers. Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God. And all those who rule now were given that power by God. So anyone who is against the government is really against something God has commanded. Those who are against the government bring punishment on themselves. People who do right don’t have to fear the rulers. But those who do wrong must fear them. Do you want to be free from fearing them? Then do only what is right, and they will praise you. Rulers are God’s servants to help you. But if you do wrong, you have reason to be afraid. They have the power to punish, and they will use it. They are God’s servants to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government, not just because you might be punished, but because you know it is the right thing to do. And this is why you pay taxes too. Those rulers are working for God, and they give all their time to the work of ruling. Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor. Romans 13:1-7 ERV
This election year has been one that has caused much turmoil in citizen’s minds. It has been the source of division in homes, community, workplaces, and just about anywhere you go. Yet, this election year has caused more people to drop to their knees and PRAY.
Last night I had the honor of being a tool in God’s toolbox to coordinate a Patriotic Night of Prayer in my hometown of Plant City. It all began with a sweet lady asking me, “Stephanie, are you going to do another prayer thing downtown like you did for that little girl?” I had been pondering the idea of a prayer gathering as well, but not to the extravagance as the one we presented. Ephesians 3:20 came to life…
“With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.”
With only a week away from Election Day, God provided the time, space, and people to fit perfectly to His perfect plan.
I knew this needed to be a non-partisan event that was covered by the Holy Spirit. I know I felt God’s presence in McCall Park in downtown Plant City on Monday evening, November 2nd, and I don’t believe I’m the only one who felt this way.
Here’s how the evening went:

Welcome – Stephanie Shuff
National Anthem – Charlene Closshey
Pledge of Allegiance – Mayor Rick Lott
(Before each pastor prayed, I shared a bible verse that went along with their prayer topic.)
*Calvin/PeeWee (Greater New Hope Church):
The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they’ll be as unified and together as we are – I in them and you in me. Then they’ll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you’ve sent me and loved them in the same way you’ve loved me. John 17:22-23 MSG
Prayer: Unity
*Brian Stowe (FBCPV):
In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. Proverbs 14:26 NASB
Prayer: God being our refuge and for our need to repent.
*Carlos Ramirez (Mt. Zion Assembly of God):
When people live to please the Lord, even their enemies will be at peace with them. Proverbs 16:7 ERV
Prayer: Peace
*Michael Pippin (The Crossing Church):
First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him. This is good and pleases God our Savior.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 ERV
Prayer: Leaders: Government/church/businesses
*Commissioner Mary Mathis:
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8 NIV
Prayer…bringing us home.
DISMISS AFTER MARY SPEAKS.

I thank Mrs. Sally for asking about having a time of prayer. I’m grateful:

- That we could come together as a city to pray, not for a particular candidate, but for each one, all Americans, and our world.
- For the freedom to gather and pray.
- Four our community as we commit to pray.
- For mayor Rick Lott for being on board and encouraging for us to gather together as one.
- For each person who committed to prayer.

Above all, I praise God for being the Greatest Orchestrator of all times.
(You can click on the following link to watch the event, videoed by my friend, Tammy: https://www.facebook.com/1428133696/posts/10224654210489184/ )
As you can see, Romans 13:8, the verse I slid into this morning, was read aloud during the Patriotic Night of Prayer. Love. We must love one another. Yes, that includes those who stand on another party line than us. Yes, that includes the candidates who are elected into office. Yes, that includes your enemies. Yes, that includes…well…EVERYONE. Love is God’s greatest command.
He said, “Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?” Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ Matthew 22:36-39 ERV
Listen, just like this day is no surprise to us being Election Day 2020, the candidate who wins their position in government tonight is no surprise to God. Whomever is seated in The White House, and any branch of government, is not above our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He…HE…is the one who will reign forever and ever. Glory!
We are to respect the position of the one in government. The Bible tells us to because God has given them power, and we must obey.
If your candidate doesn’t win, then pray like the dickens for them (the one who did win). I didn’t type to pray against them, yet FOR them. If you don’t respect the person, then respect the position. Pray that they will surround themselves with godly people. Pray that they will seek God’s guidance and wisdom. Pray that they will have a heart for the Lord. Pray for your own attitude towards the one in position. Pray for our country to repent and get down on their knees to worship God and God alone.
During last night’s event, I shared a quote that Dr. Tony Evans had posted right before it was time to begin. He said, “Division is merely a strategy meant to keep us from the Divine.”
Oh, dear friend, I urge you to stay close to The Divine. Don’t grasp onto division. Hold onto Jesus’ hand and don’t let go. God is not letting go of you.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT
Praying.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie