“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” – The Pledge of Allegiance

I’m not going to lie. With all the strife and turmoil in this country, I’ve been losing hope. I mean, we know the world is going to come to an end. And this is how the Bible describes people during the end times:

“For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” – 2 Timothy 3:2-5

Doesn’t that sound like the world these days? Obviously not everyone, thank God. He’s still here. His people are still here. But I confess to shrugging my shoulders and saying, “Oh well. What can you do?” and giving up on this world and looking forward to the next.

And I should look forward to the next life. That’s what God created us for … our forever home. Not this one.

“But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” – Hebrews 11:16

But I’m here now. I have a job to do. And I shouldn’t expect comfort.

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21

So, I continue plugging along, doing what I feel God calling me to do, reaching out to the world with the message of hope through my blog and fiction. But if I’m to be honest, I don’t have much hope.

I’ve seen people I care about hurting and refuse to call out to God.

I’ve prayed for God to open the eyes of unbeliever friends and family, for their salvation and comfort during these trying times. For years. It still hasn’t happened.

I’ve watched the country in which I was raised, believing myself to be privileged to call my home, unravel with disconcerting division.

I’ve stopped watching the news because it fills me with dread and anxiety.

Sometimes I struggle, wondering what God is doing and why He allows what He allows.

This morning, my devotion was about trusting God and led me to this verse:

“The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that He has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.” – Deuteronomy 29:29

Thank you, God, for that reminder. My only responsibility is to do what He calls me to do and trust Him with the rest.

Then, after I dropped my daughter off at school, I stopped in the office to pay her Culinary Arts and Graduation fees. I’d never been there during morning announcements. The entire office stopped, held their right hands over their hearts, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, myself included.

I don’t recall reciting the Pledge of Allegiance past elementary school. And this was High School. Public High School. Even the secretary stopped in the middle of processing my payment to join in.

I was dumbfounded … and choked up.

It was as if God was showing me He’s still here. Despite the horrors, strife, and division in this country and in the world, He’s still here. He hasn’t left us. He has a plan. It’s all in His capable hands.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

What a blessing to know that God is in control. There is so much my limited brain can’t understand. And I don’t have to. He’s got it. I just need to be faithful with the little He’s placed in my hands.

Despite the unrest and turmoil, I still love my country. Is it perfect? No. Nothing involving humans ever is. But it’s home (for now). It’s where God placed me for His reasons and I’m glad to fulfill His purposes for me … to do my small part and let Him be God. It takes the world off my shoulders.

If you, like me, are concerned about our nation’s leadership, remember this:

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” – Romans 13:1

And remember to pray for our leaders.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

God is in control of EVERYTHING! Nothing happens without Him allowing it.

“He controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.” – Daniel 2:21

Why does God allow what He allows? Who knows. He’s God. I’m not. Thank God.

“Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” – Job 40:1-2

If you’re losing hope … take heart. Soak in these scriptures. Meditate on them.

“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to his plan.” – Ephesians 1:11

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” – Romans 8:28

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21

Take heart, my friends. Have hope. And never forget:

You are loved,

J F Rogers