Ok, to be fair, that isn't breaking news. Or, at least, it shouldn't be.
This year has been crazy, over-the-top, stressful. Today, as I sit at my desk and type this, I don't know yet who the president will be next year. I do know that whichever gentleman serves as our President next year it will affect my family, the ministry I am part of, my church, and every other area of my life. Further, he and his administration will have an impact on my children's future and what that looks like.
Last night, I couldn't even watch the news. I was so anxious about the results of the election I could hardly sleep. Will my state go blue or red? Which state will swing in a surprising direction? Which candidate will get enough electoral votes to win?
This morning, in the light of day, I realized that it doesn't really matter.
I mean, yes, of course. Elections matter. Leadership matters. Voting matters. Ultimately, however, God is the One who is in control.
At the end of the day I fulfilled my calling to speak up and speak out, to teach my kids, and to vote. Throughout that entire process God was working His plan.
The Bible tells us in Daniel 2:21 that God "...changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." Romans 12:1 tells us "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."
Nothing that happened yesterday, is happening today, or will happen tomorrow is a shock to God. His plan is unfolding in front of our eyes, and we need to trust that He is in control - even if the candidate we prefer isn't elected.
Whatever God's plan is, I am very glad that He is the one in control and not me. Whether the candidate I voted for is elected, I am certain that God is working.
Does that mean that only good things will happen? No, of course not. In fact, Jesus tells us to expect tribulation in this world (John 16:33). James even tells us to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2)." Could God give us a President that brings trials and persecution to Christians? Yes, I believe He could. Should we assume that if we experience anything negative that it must be happening outside of God's will? Absolutely not.
Be encouraged, brothers and sisters. Whatever happens, it won't be a surprise to God. Whoever is elected, God will have been the One who put him there. Stay strong and courageous, love your neighbor, do good to those who do evil to you, fear God, and honor the president (there are other things we should do as well, but you can check out the Bible for a more comprehensive list).
No matter who is in charge of our nation, God is in control of our lives. And, at the end of the age, we win (I know, because I read the end of the book!).
God's got this - no matter what. I promise.
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