Trusting God’s Sovereignty in the Election

As we approach the upcoming election, many of us find ourselves filled with hope, concern, and uncertainty. We long for justice, righteousness, and godly leadership to prevail. Yet, we must also prepare our hearts for the reality that God’s plans may not always align with our expectations. How do we respond when the political landscape doesn’t reflect our deepest desires for change?

The Bible offers us timeless wisdom for moments like these—reminders that God is sovereign, and we are called to trust in Him, no matter the outcome. As we seek righteousness in the election, we can take comfort in knowing that our trust is not in human leaders, but in the Lord, who rules over all.

Habakkuk’s Declaration of Trust

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV) “Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

One of the most powerful examples of trusting God in difficult circumstances comes from the prophet Habakkuk. In Habakkuk 3:17-18, the prophet acknowledges that even if all of life’s provisions and blessings were to fail—if there were no figs on the tree, no grapes on the vine, no sheep in the pen—he would still choose to rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God his Savior. Habakkuk’s faith reminds us that, even in seasons of uncertainty, our joy is rooted not in worldly circumstances but in the unchanging character of God.

Daniel’s Faith in the Face of Uncertainty

Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV) “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Similarly, in Daniel 3:17-18, we see the steadfast faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were fully confident that God could save them from the fiery furnace, but their faith was not dependent on the outcome. “But even if He does not,” they declared, “we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” This unwavering trust in God’s goodness, even in the face of life-threatening danger, is an example to us as we face moments where God’s will may not unfold as we expect.

How Should We Respond?

In light of these examples, we are reminded that our response to political and societal events should be grounded in faith and trust in God’s sovereignty. Here are four key ways we can respond as believers during this election season:

1. Pray Humbly and Earnestly – Our first response to the upcoming election should be prayer—prayer that is humble, sincere, and full of repentance. 2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us that when God's people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, God promises to hear from heaven and bring healing to the land. We must come before God, not with arrogance or demands, but with a heart open to His will, asking for His intervention and for righteousness to prevail. This is the foundation of our trust—knowing that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people when offered in humility and faith.

2. Trust that God Establishes Rulers – While we pray and work toward righteousness, we must also remember that God is sovereign over the nations. Proverbs 21:1 (NIV) tells us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” God establishes rulers according to His plan, even when those rulers seem unjust or contrary to our understanding of what is right. As Daniel 2:21 (NIV) says, “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.” Though we desire justice and righteous leadership, sometimes God's plans are accomplished through leaders who may not align with our expectations. Yet, we can trust that His love for justice will ultimately be fulfilled in His timing.

3. Maintain a Trusting Attitude – As believers, our attitude during uncertain times should reflect our unwavering trust in God. Even when we don’t see His hand at work in the way we expect, we can be confident that He is still good, that He sees everything, and that His plans are perfect. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” We may not always understand what God is doing, but we know that He is worthy of our trust and our praise. Let us continue to worship Him, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

4. Stay Humble, Avoid Anger, and Ask for Wisdom – In moments of political and social tension, it’s easy to become angry—at people, at leaders, or even at God when things don’t go as we hope. But James 1:19-20 reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” We must guard our hearts from bitterness, instead continuing to seek righteousness and humbly ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 encourages us to seek His wisdom, which He gives generously. By staying humble and turning to God for direction, we can navigate these times with grace and faithfulness.

Conclusion: Trust in God’s Sovereignty

As we approach this election, let us anchor our hope not in the outcome of the vote but in the One who holds all things in His hands. God is sovereign, and His justice will ultimately prevail, whether through this election or in His eternal Kingdom. Let us continue to pray, trust, and work for righteousness, knowing that God’s plans are perfect, and His goodness is unchanging.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can we prepare our hearts to trust God, even when political outcomes don’t align with our expectations?
  2. What can we learn from Habakkuk’s and Daniel’s faith in difficult circumstances?
  3. How can we continue to pursue righteousness and justice after the election is over?
  4. In what ways can we be a witness of hope to those who feel discouraged by the political climate?

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