The Weekly Encourager – October 31, 2020 – What If the Other Guy Wins?

We all know what Tuesday is: the day we elect our next president. As my Bible teacher Susan Ulrich used to say, “Pray. Vote. Pray.” If you are a citizen, I sincerely hope that you will vote, if you haven’t already done so. This is both a privilege and a responsibility. Okay, so you cast your ballot, hopefully with thoughtfulness and prayer. You believe that your candidate best embodies the ideals of our nation. You think he’s best equipped to solve the many problems we face. You hope that your choice of leader will help bring better lives for all. But...what if the other guy wins? Are you okay with that?

If your candidate loses the election, how will you respond? Naturally, you’ll be disappointed. But will you be angry, anxious, and obnoxious, too? Will you give in to hate, or just give up? Neither is the best choice for a follower of Jesus. Here’s an even more important question: will you thank God if your candidate loses? The Bible exhorts us, “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB The Bible does not say, “If something really good happens, if you’re healthy, wealthy and wise, and if your candidate wins the election, give thanks.” But give thanks in everything. Not necessarily for everything, but in it, as God gently walks you through the sometimes cray-cray circumstances of your life.

One of my favorite verses at election time is, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” - Psalm 146:3 NIV We know that the Lord raises up some kingdoms and brings down others according to His sovereign plan. Sometimes world leaders are righteous; sometimes they’re wicked. That was true in Biblical times and we see it today. But God’s plan for every believer, in every nation, is to give us a future and a hope. His plan is always for His glory and our good. As the old hymn says, “Farther along, we’ll understand why.”

Political leaders, even the very best ones, cannot bring us lasting peace. There is only one ruler who can do that: Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our happiness cannot rest in the things of this world. We’re only passing through. Our citizenship is in heaven, where we will joyfully worship and serve the very Prince of Peace. He is the ruler we could never elect, but who elected us to join His party. Now that’s an election to rejoice in! Win or lose Tuesday’s political election, let us worship and rejoice!

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory….And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts....And be thankful.” - Colossians 3:1-4, 15 ESV

Pray. Vote. Give thanks.

God is faithful,
j