I’ve heard from a number of Christians in the past 24 hours about yesterday’s election. Some are happy about some things. Many are unhappy, frightened, and even angry. The Lord has brought a number of things to mind this morning following the election. They encouraged me; perhaps they will you as well.

1. View the events of this election through the lens of Scripture.

“1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are     established by God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” (Romans 13:1-4)

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:28-29)
Remember, God’s plans are not always easy to understand. He works toward ultimate goals not immediate solutions. While we may not like or understand the results of this election and the conservative media may frighten us with its doomsday scenarios, the truth is, God is still in charge. I know it sounds simplistic, yet, this truth is at the very heart of our faith. God is Sovereign over all things! He is not pacing in Heaven today wondering what to do next. He is not wringing his hands wondering if the world is about to come to an end. So, what sense does it make for us to do those things? “Why are you in despair my soul…hope in God.” (Psalm 42:1-11)

2. Pray!

“1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

• Pray that the new president will be a bridge builder.
• Pray for the church to give the new president the honor that he deserves.
• Pray for God to protect the nation as we have a new Commander in Chief.
• Pray that the Sovereign God will display his grace and mercy and not give us what we deserve.

3. Stand up!

“I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
(1 Timothy 3:14-15)

• It is past time for the church to stand up for the truth! That means every Christian must stand up personally for the truth. Stand up where? Take a stand for biblical truth at work, school, home, and in your community. Don’t just ride off into the night quietly.

• We need to get up off of our seats and act like the church. At times, that can be uncomfortable, costly, and dangerous. Peter and James found that out when they were told to quit talking about Jesus by their public officials. After a beating, Peter said, in essence, if it comes down to obeying God or the government, I’ll obey God! (Acts 5:29)

4. Pray and speak out for our government to protect the poor and recognize the humanity of unborn children.

5. Pray that our circumstances will give us a greater opportunity to preach the gospel. Sometimes the best opportunities to preach the gospel are in the more stressful situations.

Now that I think about it, all of these truths were true four years ago when the political landscape with the opposite of what it is today! Politics swing back and forth rapidly but Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We can count on Him.

I love being your pastor,

Dennis