I’ve all but stopped listening to the news… it merely leads to frustration. And my ever so up to date husband gives me regular updates on his frustrations. I really am not one to say that’s it’s my way or the highway on who’s elected to office. I fully believe that no one gets in without God’s stamp of approval. That being said, just because God let them into office doesn’t mean that He allowed it because He agreed. Sometimes we get what we ask for because God needs to prove a point. I think we’re living out the “point.”
I spoke over the weekend at a Women’s retreat in Lexington on women in leadership. A great study on Miriam and a joy to expound what God had spoken to my heart over the weeks of preparation for that event. One such quote that I used from an article on Bible.org was profound…
Miriam’s problem is one that I think is very easy for women to fall into, and it’s one we have to be alert to guard against. We must be content with the influential role that God has given us within the framework he has instituted. Do you hear that? That’s really important! When we make a play for power we can often lose influence.
So what happens when we put people into positions that they were never mean for? When I’ve been put into those positions it usually lead to disaster! As I read through Judges 9 this morning I found a follow up thought to my leadership study.
Judges 9:7-15
And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us. But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us. But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us. And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us. And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.
The Olive Tree – Filled with the oil that would be used in the lamp of God, in the tabernacle, sacrifices and the anointing of the kings, priests and prophets. Why would the olive tree dessert such a useful station in life to be king of the trees. That is not the purpose for which God designed it. And why should a man or woman leave the station in life that God has designed for them, the one that brings great joy into their life, to serve elsewhere? I had to ask myself that this morning… my heart was quick to answer.
The Fig Tree – A bearer of sweet fruit that would nourish the souls of many that passed by. Why would the fig tree desire to be King and leave hungry souls in want? I know I just spoke to my heart… did I speak to yours? Have you wondered if you are in your intended place?
The Vine – Another emblem of a good and purposeful plant. The fruit of that vine cheered not only men but God! If it did not fulfil its intended design, God would be sad. I truly don’t want that laid to my charge.
I cannot control when men and women of power get put into those positions out of the will of God. I can only pray and vote with godly wisdom and discernment. And pray again…. And again… and again. We need God’s people back at the helm of this nation. But as for my role in life. I need to be what God designed me to be.
Shari… speaker…. Singer… lover of God… Sharer of the gospel.