Will you be celebrating the election results—or mourning? I care deeply about this election. As I’ve prayed and read my Bible, I discovered some good news—and a warning—whether my candidate wins or loses. I hope it will encourage you when your emotions threaten to run wild.
First, thank you to all who took the time to research the issues, pray, and vote. (Those reading this on Tuesday, please vote if you haven’t already.) I believe our leaders matter and we have a responsibility to vote for candidates whose policies most closely honor God’s values. But our future does not lie in the hands of a human leader. Our wellbeing comes from our personal walk with God.
In 1 Samuel, the Israelites saw the Ammonites coming against them and demanded Samuel appoint a king to protect them. God warned that granting their request would bring heartache and loss. But they balled their fists, stomped their feet, and demanded a king anyway. (At least that’s how I picture them.)
God had Samuel appoint the king Israel wanted, a man who stood an impressive head taller than the other men of Israel. The people celebrated, especially after King Saul led them to victory against the Ammonites. But their misplaced trust showed a crack in their relationship with God.
Their demand to be like the other nations and have a king fight their battles showed they had forgotten God and His miraculous protection and provision. God gave Israel the king they wanted, but that king would disappoint them. Samuel then delivered a strong warning and a word of hope.
Election Results: A Warning and Word of Hope
“If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and also the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God. If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the command of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers” (1 Samuel 12:14-15, NASB 1995).
Human leaders certainly impact us. But God’s people who sincerely worship and obey Him impact their country and draw God’s favor. How do we know if an individual or a nation worships God? True worshippers walk in God’s ways.
Our morals, actions, and words reflect our relationship with Him. No matter who sits in the White House or Governor’s seat, God sits on the throne. He observes our lives and blesses those who honor Him and resists those who don’t.
As with Israel, God can list the ways He’s blessed and protected us and the ways we’ve spurned Him. National and individual blessings begin with personal repentance and faith.
I’m praying for this election. But whether our candidates win or lose, may we, as God’s people, honor Jesus as Lord in our hearts, homes, and churches (1 Peter 3:15). May we be the lights God’s called us to be.
Strength Finder
We are to follow God and be His representatives whether our candidates win or not.
- Warning: If my candidate wins, I won’t prosper if I don’t worship and follow God.
- Hope: Whether my candidate wins or loses, I can experience God’s favor if I honor and follow Him.
Action: Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and point out any sins of omission or commission.
- Agree with God on what He points out. As believers, we also agree that Jesus paid for our sins (1John 1:9). If you don’t know Jesus as Savior, begin by confessing your need for a Savior and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).
- Ask the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you so that you can understand and follow His Word (1 Corinthians 2:12-16).
- Read, study, meditate, and obey God’s Word in every aspect of life. His Word will light our paths (Psalm 119:11).
- Keep an eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
A Warning and Word of Hope—No Matter the Election Results #faith, #hope #electionresults Share on X“Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king will be swept away” (1 Samuel 12:24-25, NASB 1995).
Resources
Dr. James Dobson on what we’re voting for in this election. (4 1/2 minute video)
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Blessings,
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp #InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
Excellent post Debbie!!
I’m praying with you!
Thank you, Kim! I’m so thankful we know the One on the throne.
Well said, Debbie!!
Real Repentance
Real Revival
Yes! That is the Real Answer.
Thank you!
Thank you, Jane!
The fear of the Lord is the key, Debbie. [FYI, when I click on your link from another website and come to your page, it blinks at me, and I cannot read or scroll. I have to type in debbiewwilson.com to read your post. I’m visiting from Blue Cotton Memory today.]
Lisa, thanks for telling me. I think the technical demon is back! It seems to haunt me. 🙂 Yes, fear of the Lord is key. Thanks for persevering to read and comment.
I keep coming back to that quote from Chuck Colson: Salvation will not arrive on Air Force One!
This is our moment to reaffirm our belief in God’s sovereignty and goodness!
Michele, what a great quote! I hadn’t heard that before. Thanks for adding it.
God’s will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen!! Thanks, Ann.
Very pertinent message for our times. God bless!
God bless you, too, Nancy! And have mercy on us and our nation!
Very good reminders. I’m dearly hoping the election will go a certain way—but my hopes in the electoral process have been disappointed before. But, if God can work through a Nebuchadnezzar or a Xerxes, He can work through and in and in spite of anyone. We need to vote as close as we can to our values, but ultimately, it’s all in God’s hands.
I agree, Barbara. I’m amazed at how the Bible fits together. He has a plan, and I pray for the grace to trust Him in all things.