“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
~John 16:33
The long ramp leading to today’s election has been rough, filled with astonishing vitriol, venomous hyperbole, and outright lies. I’ve tried to keep an eye on things from sort of a 30,000-foot view, as to not get too mentally poisoned by it all. Sometimes those efforts were successful, other times…not so much. And here we are. Tomorrow is Election Day 2024. (Well, Election Day is now a “season”, with early voting for weeks and mail-in voting for all. And I’m not confident that we’ll even know results anytime soon given the contentious atmosphere.)
Both sides of the battle have touted this to be the most important election of our lifetime—even in the life of our nation. This may very well be true. Our Republic is young, historically speaking, and our Constitution a brave, new thing in the global context of empires and nations. (And think about this: We’ve been a nation about half as long as the Israelites were slaves in Egypt before Moses led them out!) Whatever the ballot count ultimately reveals, I’ve got a feeling that the reactions won’t be pretty, and that we may be in for a challenging few months ahead.
But if you’re a believer, let me share some reminders that will hopefully wash away any trepidation, fear, or anxiety you may be feeling today (or over the past year or about the upcoming years).
- God is Sovereign. He is in control when everything seems out of control to us (Psalm 115:1-3; Daniel 4:35).
- We may have the privilege of voting, but it is the Lord who sets our political leadership in place (Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1).
- Everything is for God’s glory according to His will. Even when we can’t see how. Even if it means hardships, loss of freedoms, persecution, death (Genesis 50:19-20; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11).
- Our citizenship is heaven. We are merely ambassadors to this country (Philippians 3:20).
- We’re called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 3:8-9).
- Our purpose is to share the Good News of Jesus with others. Even with our enemies. Even when it’s risky—or life-threatening (2 Corinthians 4; 1 Peter 3:13-22).
- The Lord is Judge—and there will be justice (John 5:25-29; Romans 1:18-23; 2 Peter 2:4-22; Revelation 14:14-20).
So, beloved, no matter what happens today (and tomorrow and next year), the battle belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 21:31)—and the victory has been won. In fact, next month much of the world be celebrating this glorious Truth, believers and (ironically) unbelievers alike, as we acknowledge the first coming of our King (Isaiah 9:2-7) on December 25. And we—those of us who have surrendered ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ—will joyfully witness His second coming in Glory…not as a swaddled baby, but as a Warrior King on a white horse, with fire in His eyes and a sword from His mouth—His Name King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16).
So, let’s not fear the election of 2024, friend. We know Who wins.
Lord, may we stand firm in the Truth of Your Sovereignty. Elections—and nations—come and go, yet You remain. You are Creator, Sustainer, King of kings. May we rest in this today and every day.
encouraged by grace 