Let there be peace
What does the aftermath of a consequential election hold for us?
A dear friend asked about posts she read on social media where people were praying to God about today’s election and declaring, “It is now in God’s hands.” She wondered aloud if they were sincere in that belief; would they accept the outcome as God’s will regardless of who wins, or would they be upset with God if it doesn’t go their way? I responded to her inquiry, and after reading it, I feel like I must share that response more broadly:
It should be a reflection of trust in God's plan regardless of the outcome. Any other response diminishes God's omnipotence and sovereignty over time and space. I have to remind myself that our perspective is like looking through a keyhole while God's perspective is infinite. One of my favorite verses is from the book of Isaiah, where He says, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please'" (Isaiah 46:10). The world doesn't make sense, and Jesus guarantees, "In this world, you will have trouble" (John 16:33), but if we truly believe He's directing all events toward a conclusion of His making, then there is no event or person that should shake us. If only we behaved as if we believed that! Unfortunately, I suspect that what people really mean is that they will accept God's plan only if it comes out in their favor.
It's kind of like declaring the election fair only if my side wins!
I wrote previously about how I was working through my struggles with forgiveness and faith.
Can I forgive a significant sector of American Christendom for pursuing worldly power and influence over practicing the Great Commandment and the Great Commission? The damage to our Christian witness is measurable as more people have left the faith than joined during all the Great Awakenings combined.
Do I have faith that none of this surprises our Lord, the creator of the universe and supreme authority over all space and time, and that He is actively steering events and people where He wants them to go?
In a few hours, the votes will begin to be tallied, and the results of one of the most consequential elections in recent memory will take shape. There are troubled times ahead, to be sure. I see potential conflict regardless of the outcome, although it will take different forms depending on the victor.
Nevertheless, the Lord is fully aware of what is to come and is not taken aback by it. He declared to the prophet Isaiah, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen” (Isaiah 14:24). The passage of Scripture I quoted to my friend, in which Jesus assured us that trouble is inevitable in this world, ends with the promise, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He also said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working" (John 5:17). Before Jesus charged his apostles with the Great Commission and ascended into heaven, He made it clear that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
God orchestrates everything, and everything bends to His will. I don’t understand why some things happen as they do, and the chaos, uncertainty, and tribulations we’ve experienced during this election season don’t feel like God at work. Still, he reminds us that He operates at a different level than we do:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
The Lord sees everything from the formless void to the end of the world as we know it, and that’s a perspective I can’t fathom or attempt to explain. While that could cause one to despair, He doesn’t leave us hanging:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Whatever happens today and in the days to come, whether you perceive it as “good” or “bad,” “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Regarding my fellow believers with whom I disagree about their chosen candidate and what he has done to the reputation of our faith, I want to forgive them as Jesus forgave me and commanded us to forgive others, even if they don’t seek my forgiveness and believe I am the one who should repent. Regarding the possible outcome of today’s election, I want to have faith in Him as He had faith in us despite our damaged condition: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Only genuine forgiveness and faith will sustain believers in the days to come.
The challenge is amplified as the holidays approach, and a time of celebration with family and friends could be compromised by the dark clouds of mistrust, resentment, and hate generated by the electoral results. It doesn’t have to be that way; if we obey the Prince of Peace, He promises a peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), and speaking only for myself, I hunger for peace in these turbulent times.
On a personal note, I ask for your prayers as we just laid my father to rest after he passed away unexpectedly due to complications from emergency surgery. I plan to share more about him when my mind is clear, and my heart settles. With the holidays upon us and just over three weeks until what would have been his 87th birthday on November 24th, I feel his loss acutely. However, he has entered into perfect Peace, and for that, I am deeply grateful.