This Presidential election has knocked most everyone sideways, whether you voted for Biden or Trump. The up-in-the-air results and delayed announcement regarding the leader of our nation have been a real “nail biter.” Some Christians find themselves asking God, why? This is an easy path to follow but really, we should trust God and praise Him for this election outcome. We are commanded to rejoice always. This means in all circumstances, even if we don’t understand what is going on. We DO KNOW God is in control and His ways are so much higher than our ways.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For 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 (NKJV)

The enemy wants to fill believers with fear and cause them to doubt God’s faithfulness. I believe he did this with the prophet Elijah. Shortly after Elijah called fire down from heaven on Mount Carmel, and had the 450 prophets of Baal slaughtered, he ran for his life. King Ahab told Queen Jezebel about the death of the Baal prophets. Boy was she mad!

“So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, ‘May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them’.” 1 Kings 19:2 (NKJV)

Although Elijah had just witnessed the power of God and an incredible miracle, he feared Queen Jezebel. He looked at his circumstances instead of trusting God to protect him. He ran into the wilderness and told God that he’d had enough and wanted to die.

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” 1 Kings 19:3-4 (NKJV

How quickly we forget the power of God and His loving-kindnesses! The devil took advantage of the foothold Elijah gave him. Fortunately, God showed his prophet mercy and had compassion. God allowed him to rest and even sent an angel to feed him while he hid in the wilderness.

Elijah had hoped God would eliminate King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. He wanted God to take away the threat and danger. But God didn’t do what the prophet wanted. We can all understand the disappointment of not getting our way. But God does not rejoice when his children throw temper tantrums and pity parties. Instead, God compassionately provides us with the strength we need to carry on and move forward.

God will faithfully do for us what was done for Elijah. Although America seems to be coming apart at the seams and violence is growing in every city/state, God is still on the throne. God has a plan and it has purpose. Maybe people are realizing they have put their faith in man and not in God. Will President Trump realize God is in control and acknowledge God appointed him to be the President? Could future events cause even more people to repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior? Have recent events been orchestrated to teach us to walk in God’s grace day by day and pray without ceasing? Good can come from all circumstances. Therefore, may we all give thanks today and every day glorifying God and trusting Him with our future.

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17 (NIV)

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 (NIV)