I swear He snuck up on me before I was fully awake. My eyes weren’t even opened when I became aware of Him. My Heavenly Father often does that to me, giving me thoughts and ideas about the new day while I’m still half asleep. He knows I’m vulnerable, I don’t have my guard up, and I’m going to be more open to His whisperings.
He quietly suggested I write a statement and publish it publicly on social media. He supplied the opening words, which is always how I write—from His springboard. He also provided some “rules of engagement.”
Father God didn’t demand or require I comply, as some might think. The suggestion wasn’t a “do or die” sort of thing. He simply presented it as a next step for me. I had the choice and the option to take it or leave it.
I crawled out of bed, all the while making sure I remembered the specific opening words and the instructions. God and I both knew that I would follow through on the directions of His Holy Spirit.
I have made a point of being reticent on social media regarding most things political and spiritual. I might hint at or insinuate my beliefs, but God forbid I should lay them all out for God and the world to see! After all, those of faith shouldn’t enter the political arena!
God asked me to make a personal statement regarding the one I am supporting in the 2024 Presidential Election for President of the United States. I was to cite five reasons why. The first two were set in place in my mind; the other three would follow. And so I sat down before my computer, still in my PJs, and laid out what I ended up calling my personal manifesto.
I wrote of my faith, of God, and of my country, listing the reasons why I supported one candidate over the other.
It wasn’t an easy task—not the writing of it, but the fact I knew I would be making a public stand and declaration. I don’t even speak of these things with my family, let alone others with whom I’ve fostered friendships over time, or strangers. I avoid confrontation like the plague and didn’t relish the potential controversy.
His specific instructions: “Do not defend yourself. Do not engage.” He pointed out I was to simply present a personal statement, not one to convince others or one subject to debate. Post it and walk away. Period.
I completed the project. The next step was to make it public, which I did—not only on FaceBook but on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well. That’s when hysteria took over my being. I’d kept my positions secret for a long, long time. The doubts and second-guessing flooded in.
I decided I needed to take a walk in the fresh air. Besides, I needed some milk from the store. As I walked, His reassurances calmed me down. He reminded me that I had done what He asked me to do. And I needed to stop wrestling with my imagination and leave it behind.
Then He spoke: “Cast your bread upon the water.” What??? Bread plus water quickly turns soggy before completely breaking down. I had a mental vision of a teeny, tiny raft with a loaf of bread on it to keep it from getting wet. 😊 Another version states, “Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back.” [1]
This was His idea, at His direction, and at His hand—not mine. I have cast my bread on the water. I still have no clue what He means, but perhaps in time I shall understand.
There is an advocacy amongst some believers that we should remain out of politics. Trust me, I’m not in favor of getting in the middle of everything that is knock-down, drag-out, but I’m often reminded of the promise of the coming Christ when “the government shall be upon his shoulders…”[2] It doesn’t get any more political than that.
In the meantime, I’m back to posting photos of flowers and family. At least until the next early morning surprise.
No comments:
Post a Comment