Expert: Joe Norman - 8/12/2006

Question
My preacher says that all the leaders of thecountries of earth are there by  the providence of God. That it does not matter who I voter for as president, God will place there who he wishes.
I believe that the leaders of the nations of the world are there by the actions or inactions of man.
My question: Does the Bible support,as my preacher says, that God, through porvidence,is responsible for the leaders of nations of this world?  

Answer
The answer to your question is yes there is scripture to support what your preacher says.

Romans 13:1-7
1Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (NKJV)

John 19:10,11
10Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 11Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” (NKJV)

There might be a few others, but these are sufficient. Yet, this does not mean that it does not matter who you vote for though. God can work through us without our knowing it. I believe that God placed Bush in office, but I also believe that it was my duty to vote. I voted for him. What if everyone believed it did not matter who we voted for? No one would vote. It would not work. Just find comfort in knowing that God is working in the affairs of men. This does not mean that bad men are never in power. Hitler and many others throughout history have shown that evil men are sometimes very powerful and destructive, but God has a purpose that we do not always see. He sees the whole picture and we only see a small spot. In general though, govenments protect their people. God is actively involved in our world even though we are not always aware of it. I do hope that I have helped you with my answer and thank you for the opportunity to help. If you have more questions, please let me know. I am happy to help in any way I can.