A Prayer When You Don't Really Get A Vote
By Peyton Garland
Bible Reading:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
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Have you ever felt like you didn’t have a say in a certain matter? Even if you were the expert? The one with experience? The one who was hurt or wronged?
Were you passed over, dismissed, or completely disregarded because of your age, gender, or past?
I’m sure all of us can answer yes to some, if not all, of these questions.
It stings to feel overlooked, to be underestimated, and to see that others will never recognize the significance of your voice. But despite this overshadowing reality, might I offer a bit of truth?
We like to have our say because we like control, and even if our “say” is “right,” we let pride convince us that we deserve the megaphone.
When we believe a situation is under our control, we can adopt a temporary, shifting, but comfortable idea of peace. But deep down, we all know how long this idea of control lasts, don’t we? Whether we have a say in a matter or not, there are some things that our voice, opinion, experience, and pure grit and determination can’t force into submission.
Some things are more severe, like unfortunate health diagnoses, crumbling relationships, church drama, and financial strain.
Others are less severe, but prove further still how little control we truly have: car troubles, toddler tantrums, delayed grocery delivery, and millions of tiny, insignificant things in between.
This is why I’ve learned (and continue to learn) the art of silence. I’m not talking about giving people, and especially God, the silent treatment. That never works! I’m talking about the silence that keeps you humble, that allows others to make decisions that could be a part of God’s divine plan. I’m talking about the hard art of resting in the truth that, outside my own actions, there is little I can control.
Rather than controlling a disagreement by pointing out my husband’s faults, I find it far more beneficial to hear his side and focus on where I can grow.
Rather than allowing emotional tensions to control my political vote, I pause and quietly reflect on the opposition’s opinion to ensure my ballot is cast on facts and convictions, not feelings.
As humans, we often speak from places of emotion or pride. We want to be heard. We want to prove ourselves. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these things, but one thing is for sure: when we are speaking, we aren’t listening. We aren’t learning.
Consider the countless times in Scripture that God spoke into the lives of His people when they were completely silent:
He spoke to Moses after he had fled the noise of Egypt, while he was alone in the desert, tending his father-in-law’s flocks.
He sent the prophet Samuel to anoint David as Israel’s king while David was by himself, tending his father’s sheep.
He even sent Jesus, the Savior, into the world in the quiet, without parades and fanfare for a welcome.
Though I have a more strong-willed, opinionated personality, I’ve found both mercy and grace in allowing the silence that I believe should be filled with my vote to be filled with God’s voice. After all, no matter if I’m “right,” I’m not the author of goodness and truth. That title is reserved for the Sovereign God Almighty.
When we allow God Almighty’s voice to reign above all, lives are changed. Souls are saved.
What a truth to rest in!
Let’s Pray
Lord, it’s all too easy for us as Christians to gloss over Exodus 14:14, where your Word says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” We like the idea of such sovereignty and protection, but only as far as it allows our opinions, our voices, our reputations, and our control to remain.
Grant us humility, a divine understanding of what it means to step back, sit in the silence, and allow you not only to handle our situations but also to shape our hearts in the process.
May we remember that you are the author of what is good, true, and right, and as such, you will ensure that no matter what we go through, how little we feel heard or respected, you set our feet on a firm path towards your hope, joy, and goodness.
We praise you for this truth that we can rest in. Thank you for who you are, God. Forever, Amen.
Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credir: ©Pexels/RDNE Stock project
Related Resource: Praying Through Life’s Battles
What battle are you carrying today?
Maybe it is an unanswered prayer, a painful loss, a strained relationship, a health concern, or a circumstance that feels far beyond your control. When life feels overwhelming, we can become so consumed by our emotions—or so busy trying to fix everything ourselves—that prayer is often one of the first things we neglect.
This week on The Love Offering Podcast, my friend Rachel Wojo joins me to talk about her new 90-day devotional, Praying Through Life’s Battles. Drawing from her experience of loving and losing her daughter, Taylor, Rachel shares how prayer has sustained her through unimaginable grief and reminded her that she never faces life’s battles alone.
If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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