At the moment, the newly re-appointed finance minister of South Africa, Pravin Gordhan, is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The South African tax commissioner, Tom Moyane, and the guy who re-appointed Gordhan, his boss and our president, mr Jacob Zuma, continue to undermine his authority, but his resigning would send our already unstable economy into free fall.

Gordhan’s re-election was key for investor perception as it instills confidence in South Africa’s fiscal management domestically and internationally. However, police minister Nkosinathi Nhleko has submitted a list of questions to Gordhan – with the obvious approval of Zuma – to find out what he knows about an alleged “rogue unit” within the tax agency that is said to have spied on political leaders, including the likes of Zuma. Nhleko says that Moyane brought the complaint to the police last year.

Daniel Silke, director of Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town, reportedly said the following: “The pressure is on him to fight it out. If the position becomes that untenable or he is intimidated to the point where he simply wishes to throw in the towel, it’s obviously his prerogative to do so. He would then witness what could be a disastrous market reaction.”

“It is important that all of us submit to the authorities who have charge over us because God establishes all authority in heaven and on earth…  Look at it this way, the ruler is a servant of God called to serve and benefit you. But he is also a servant of God executing wrath on those who practice evil. If you do what is wrong then you’d better be afraid because he wields the power of the sword and doesn’t make empty threats. So submission is not optional; it is required. But don’t just submit for the sake of avoiding punishment; submit and abide by the laws because your conscience leads you to do the right thing… And now consider this. You know well the times you are living in. It is time for you to wake up and see what is right before your eyes: for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The darkness of night is dissolving as dawn’s light draws near, so walk out on your old life and put on the armour of light.

Romans 13:1,4-5,11-13 (The Voice)

Now more than ever, I am seeing that everything that is my future (from tomorrow until kingdom come) is in the hands of someone that is greater than myself. I have chosen Jesus as the main authority in my life; as the anchor for all of my past, present, and future decisions. But what does that mean for my future here on earth and the authority that is governing over me now? Because, let’s be honest, life here on earth is not easy – and a lot of the time the people that are governing over us don’t make it any easier.

This past weekend I registered to vote and walked away from the registration centre not only thoughtful but prayerful.

A while ago, I listened to a sermon by Bethel (Redding, California) senior pastor Bill Johnson, in which he said something to the effect of (and I am paraphrasing here): A lot of people like to go into situations trying to sort everything out on their own and afterwards come out saying, “Well, all we can do now is pray…” All we can do now is pray? Are you serious! Praying is all that we can do.

In my mind, as a believer, every prayer that I sent up is a vote towards what God wills, not only for my life but for my country and community. The scripture quoted before says that the practice of evil is the cause of the execution of God’s wrath. Look, God is a loving Father, slow to anger and rich in mercy, and while his forgiveness covers us, it is up to us as a people to register our votes with him – a right that we are given when we accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.

God is eagerly looking for a chance to show his mercy for his people who continually turn their back to him. The story of Nineveh in the book of Jonah is such a lovely example of that. Jonah even got fed up with God for having so much mercy because of how repentant the people were! 2 Chronicles 7:14 says the following:

“and [if] My people (who are known by My name) humbly pray, follow My commandments, and abandon any actions or thoughts that might lead to further sinning, then I shall hear their prayers from My house in heaven, I shall forgive their sins, and I shall save their land from the disasters.”

In my mind, that is an open offer to vote for His best despite our inability to receive, comprehend or deserve any of it! Jesus doesn’t only want that for the nation, he wants to give you his best for your life as well. All you have to do is register with him to cast your vote. Why don’t you click on the banner below to hear more?