what i know on inauguration day: He has a plan.

today is the inauguration. barack obama will drop "elect" to become president barack obama. president george w. bush will become "former president george w. bush."

in the online world, the excitment about today is palpable. in the christian world, the aprehension about today is heavy.

it would do no good for me to try to form a coherant political opinion, but there are a couple things i know regarding this presidency that is mere moments away from its genesis.

this morning, in my quiet time, i was studying the story of esther. a jewish girl who stood out among hundreds -- thousands? -- of beautiful, young virgins and won the heart of the pagan king of persia. the questions that arise when wondering why esther was chosen are too many to name. but, as beth moore points out in the study, a simple verse in proverbs gives a worthy explanation.

"the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." --proverbs 21:1

God wanted esther to be queen.

i know no matter what good or bad plans obama has, my God holds our president's heart in His hand. He can turn obama's heart however He pleases. He has a plan.

another point beth moore brings to light in my study is when mordecai, cousin and caretaker of the orphaned esther before she was crowned queen, saves king xerxes' life by tipping esther off to a pair of doorkeepers who were plotting to kill xerxes. (esther 2:21-23) a jewish man who was no doubt at odds with the ideals of the persian king, a conflict of interest for sure, honored his duty to protect his leader.

i know that even if i do not agree with obama, my God asks me to honor my leader and protect him with my life. i can do this because i trust God. i have faith because i know He has a plan.

so happy inauguration day! let's relish in this new beginning with confidence and not fear.

He has a plan!