America is in the midst of very interesting times. In just a few days we will elect a new president. In fact, it will not only be a new man in the White House, but a whole new administration to govern as stewards over this tremendous nation. Change is inevitable. Some people will find it easy to embrace these changes and may even yearn for them. Others have great reservations and even trepidation for what is coming. Regardless of the election outcome we can draw several similarities to where we are as a nation and the circumstances a young prophet, Isaiah, was facing.

He too was in a transitional season, along with the whole nation of Israel. Their king died and a new one was appointed. They experienced a leadership challenge while the enemies of Israel gathered to test the new king. Their lifestyles were on the line. Would there be war or peace? Would we pay more taxes or less? Would this new king be a good one or bad one? What would happen to the great nation of Israel?

It is easy to allow fear, anxiousness and hesitation to rule your heart in such times. Given the fragility of our economy in recent weeks these unholy emotions will tend to run wild through your mind. What can we do? How should Believers respond to these challenges?

We must follow Isaiah’s example. He did not dwell on the loss of the old king. He is not oblivious to the changes, but he is not blinded by them either. Instead of looking around, he looked up. He saw the Lord high and lifted up. God towers above all circumstances. He is the absolute constant. He never changes, but is never outdated. He always has His helping hand available to those who will take it! Just because of changes in your life quality, politically, physically or financially does not mean that you are left to fend for yourself. Isaiah saw the Lord. What will you see? A new president in the White House? Financially challenging times? Broken relationships? Losses at your work? What will you focus on?

When Isaiah’s focus changed from the earthly to the heavenly, he was changed himself. In Isaiah 5 we read how this young prophet functioned in his divine gifting. He prophesied as the Lord inspired him but the tone of his prophecies were rather judgmental. His repeatedly used three words that would make any hearer cringe: “Woe to those. . .” In fact, he used these words several times in one chapter. He was pointing his finger to others.

In uncertain times people tend to do that. Someone must be blamed for whatever has happened. Today you too might be tempted to unleash a “Woe to those who messed up our economy!” or a “Woe to that candidate stepping into our White House!” or even “Woe to my wife for being on my case!” When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up; when he refocused his attention on a bigger, eternal reality something amazing happened.

He cried out: “Woe is me for I am undone!” He realized that he needed a touch from heaven himself, along with all the other “woe-causers”. He said: “I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips.” Somehow his society’s problems crept into his heart too! What they were struggling with touched him too. Their cultural trends affected him also. Whenever he issued a woe to them it echoed right back into his heart. He was part of the problem. Can you see this happening today? We can blame our culture for its greed and selfishness, but it has affected Believers also. We can point a finger to the American government for racking up an out of control debt when most American households are perilously indebted themselves. We can demand higher standards from our politicians, yet so many of us ignore the gaping cracks in our characters. We can accuse the "world" of loose morals when the divorce rate among churched Believers are the same as "those un-Believers."

Isaiah realized that he needed to change before he could affect change. He was touched with fire from the altar of heaven. An angel brought a burning coal from God’s altar and touched Isaiah’s lips; the problem part of his life. He declared: “Your guilt is washed away and your sin is forgiven!” Immediately God asked: “Whom can We send? Who will go for Us and be Our spokesperson?” Isaiah, now armed with new lips and fresh, changed words replied: “Here I am, please send me.” He went from a feeble, protestor to an inspired volunteer! The fire of God made all the difference!

Believers, we must become influencers. We cannot be merely influenced by circumstances. We need a touch from heaven’s fire also. May the Lord strengthen our weaknesses so we too can step up to the Kingdom task at hand. Let’s allow the penetrating word of God to pierce our pride so we can become part of the solution and not simply pointing to the problem.

We have a tremendous Gospel opportunity. History shows that the Gospel flourishes during uncertain times. That the Good News of Jesus Christ glows brighter amidst a darker, more evil atmosphere. Let’s shine bright for the glory of God. Let’s point to Him, not in accusation but in direction; showing all of humanity the way to go for peace, provision and power.