Whoever wins the American presidency today will face enormous global challenges, particularly in the epicenter. The Iranian nuclear threat. Russia’s growing military alliance with Iran. Osama bin Laden and the continuing al Qaeda threat. The Hamas and Hezbollah threats. The volatility in nuclear-armed Pakistan. The possibility of revolutions or coup attempts in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Libya’s new pursuit of Russian arms and nuclear technology. The list goes on and on. Given their profound policy differences, how the U.S. deals with these serious challenges will depend largely on whether Barack Obama or John McCain takes the oath of office on January 20, 2009.

As for my family and me, while we have a strong preference for who wins, we know the outcome of this election is in the hands of the Lord. Two verses give us particular comfort today:

* Daniel 2:21 — “It is He [the God of heaven]…who removes kings and establishes kings.”

* Job 42:2 — “I know that You [the God of Israel] can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

It is the Lord God who will ultimately decide who will lead the American nation through turbulent times ahead. He also decides who will lead Israel, Iran, Iraq, and all the other nations of the epicenter and the world. His will cannot be thwarted. Let us, therefore, pray that His will would be done. Let us also pray that we are faithful in blessing Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus, as He has commanded us in the Scriptures.