The Pathway Forward
Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
for I do whatever I wish. Isaiah 46:9-10
As if you did not know, there was an election in the United States held last night. While elections are important, my thoughts turned to my wife, children, and grandchildren. My friends and family have far greater impact on those things happening well beyond the outreach of my sphere of influence, and regardless of who holds office, it has never determined my path. I trust that God knows who I am, and He guides me, unaffected by external circumstances.
After elections, people often question how others voted, asking, “How can you vote for such a person who believes in such evil?” Or “Why would you do that knowing all they did?” These conversations could lead people to doubt whether God is with us or against us based on election results. However, those are all the wrong questions and assumptions. People always have reasons for their choices that go beyond what we see, and they are not evil and condemned because of them. If they believe in Jesus Christ and receive God’s grace, we are to know them as children of God. Even if they do not, Jesus clearly taught us:
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. Matthew 5:43-45
So, what should we do? If you feel a little uncomfortable with the answer, you are probably going down the right path forward.
Learning to trust in God involves accepting His will rather than trying to shape it according to our own desires. It is natural for us to want to control our circumstances. We also struggle to look beyond the present moment. For instance, consider how the results of yesterday’s election might have influenced your past or present feelings about others, or your sense of who is in control of things. If these outcomes affected you deeply, it might indicate you do not trust in God and need to deepen your relationship with Him. As Christians, our goal is to live a life as Jesus did. We are called to reach out to those who see the world differently from us, and regardless of whether we feel joyful or disappointed, remind them who is truly running things. God does not make decisions based on prayers for specific outcomes. Instead, He allows for events to unfold according to His greater purpose.
Therefore, instead of asking “why” things happen, we should focus on “what” we can learn or do in response. Our actions and words should reflect what Jesus Christ Himself would say rather than being driven by our immediate emotions and feelings. We are called to love on people as He would and to follow Paul’s guidance in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 saying, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
In every situation, God remains victorious, regardless of which side we find ourselves on. Often, we fall short because we tend to assume the worst about each other. It is important to remember Jesus was far more critical of His followers than His opponents. This reminds me that I have a greater responsibility to serve Him above all else. It never mattered which side won. Our relationship with Him is what matters most. Paul reminds us, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Whether you are celebrating or saddened by the result, let us hold onto this truth. Who do you believe is in control? How can you best reflect Christ in your interactions today? My prayer is that we all recognize God’s sovereignty in guiding the pathway forward. Amen.