Literally, in a few hours Israelis will go to the polls to elect their next government.  According to polls, incumbent party, Likud, and Zionist Union have been in a tight race, with ZU pulling ahead in recent days.  Now, news out of Israel is that Tzipi Livni, one of the co-leaders of ZU, has withdrawn as a partner in the coalition.

Highly disliked by many Israelis, the question now is: will Livni’s departure help or hurt the Zionist Union party?  I encourage you to read Joel Rosenberg’s commentary on this 11th-hour bombshell.

Here’s my take on it:  Daniel 2:21 tells us that God Himself changes times and seasons and raises up or deposes kings as He wishes.  That chapter also teaches us that God shows favor to whomever He pleases.  After all, Daniel (a Jew) found favor in the court of Persian King Nebuchadnezzar.  Friends, our great God is fully in control and will guide to leadership who He desires.  We don’t always understand why God allows evil rulers, so it doesn’t make sense to us when they come to power.  However, the sovereignty of God is far greater than our puny understanding!  Thus, even if the “wrong” party comes to power, we can rest in that sovereignty.

So, I continue to pray that God will grant Israel’s leaders great wisdom and the desire to follow after Him.  I also believe that prayer is a powerful tool.  Not to get our way, but to align us with God’s plan.  I know many of you are praying for Israel.  Please continue to do so.  God hears…and God will draw us all into His sovereign will if we will follow.

Polls open in only a few short hours (Tuesday morning in Israel).  Let’s be found faithful to pray for the leaders and the people of Israel!