I was ready for a quiet evening at home with my husband. We decided to watch a movie and although we’d watched it before, we chose Abraham Lincoln by Steven Spielberg. It really is a must see for everyone. Spoiler alert: I am about to share some thoughts about it.

President Lincoln knew slavery was wrong. In his effort to abolish it, he authorized deals to be brokered, bribes to be paid, whatever it took to get the votes from the opposition. Others tried to convince him the timing was bad or that it couldn’t be done, but he wouldn’t be swayed. The President remained adamant it had to happen at that moment in time. After exhausting every avenue, he scheduled the vote. Then he prayed fervently and encouraged others to do the same.

On the day of the vote, tensions were high. There weren’t enough confirmed votes. As I watched the climax of the movie, even knowing the outcome, I held my breath. One by one the votes were voiced. Then when all seemed lost, two Democratic leaders dramatically crossed party lines and sided with the President. Fellow politicians were outraged. Threats and anger erupted, but it was over. Slavery had been abolished. What courageous men.

As I reflected on the movie, I questioned: Was it really the men who were courageous or God’s intervention that gave them the courage? Could it be said they HEARD and obeyed God over the shouts of men?

Watching the movie created sentiment and inspiration. I remember the sense of finality I felt when my doctor told me at the age of thirty-five, I needed a hysterectomy. No more children, such deep grief for the children I’d hoped to have, but now wouldn’t. Then God gave us two more children through adoption. Similar unexpected outcomes fill the pages of the Bible. Abraham and Sarah were given their very late-in-life, impossible gift of Isaac. The Israelites, standing at the Red Sea, were given a rescue plan right through the Red Sea when all they could see were the Egyptian chariots pursuing them. How easy it is for us as humans to come to a foregone conclusion without considering what God might do instead. It’s almost as if I can picture God waving his hand in the air to get our attention, shouting, “Hey, what about me? Did you forget what I can do?”

Today we stand at another pivotal point in our country’s history when votes have the potential of changing our country significantly. God will use courageous men to right wrongs, but we need to be diligent in praying. To continue to look for His plan even when human comprehension has sealed the deal. As we wait upon this final lap in the conclusion of an already torturous election season, I want to live with the expectation of what God will do. I want to be the Israelite who focused on the raging sea knowing God can do anything, not the one watching the dust cloud rise in the distance as the chariots approached.

God isn’t done yet. That’s why we’re still here. Commit to pray for our leaders so they will hear and act on God’s will. Pray God will once again save our nation from the sins of abortion and rebellion, just like he saved our nation from the sin of slavery. No matter how things appear, don’t forget to factor in God. He’s still working out the finale and His endings are amazing.

Mark 10:27: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (NIV).