November 2, 2025
Happy Sunday,
It’s day 32 of the government shutdown, and it’s pretty much a waiting game for the American people. There’s not much we can do to hurry along the negotiation process (beyond bugging contacting our elected officials).
The Bible doesn’t provide an instruction manual for believers during government shutdowns… but it does say a thing or two about waiting. And here’s the upside-down thing about waiting in the Bible: it isn’t focused on outcomes, it’s focused on character.
Who will God’s people be in the waiting?
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God…! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
2 Peter 3:10-13 (ESV)
The only outcome worthy of our focus is the final one: a new heaven and earth, dominated by righteousness. May God make us fit for that kingdom while we wait for its arrival.
Let’s pray for resolution for our government and for growing godliness in the meantime:
God our Creator,
You are nature’s Lawmaker.
You dreamt up the laws of physics, the water cycle, the earth’s orbit;
You put the sun in its place and tell the wind where to blow.
And as our government has grinded to a halt yet again,
unyielding and locked in limbo,
we praise You, the God who governs without hiccup.
But we are hiccup-prone.
We are limited; we are uncompromising;
our administration of Your world is chaotic and uncertain
compared to the management of Your steady, faithful hand.
These lawmakers are only in their seats on Your appointment.
Would You straighten their steering to lead us away from trouble?
Would You make them wise in their management,
humble in their discussions,
and clever in their compromises
so that they might promote the peace and prosperity of all?
Just as You send the rain on the righteous and wicked alike,
may their management effect the common good.
While we wait, make us patient.
Transform our feelings of helplessness
into acknowledgements of utter dependence on You.
In discomfort and frustration, make us steadfast, dignified, at peace.
In lack and in plenty, provide for our every need.
Satisfy us with Your generosity in Jesus,
in whom You have already given every spiritual blessing;
in whom we have unshakeable, eternal security;
and in whom we pray. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Steph Juliot
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