The days following the 2016 election were some of the hardest in the life of our church. Many of our congregants are immigrants from around the world, including Asia and Africa; some are undocumented. We are a minority-led, multicultural church in a low-income, disadvantaged community in East Austin, and though there is fear after any election, in this case, many of our members were afraid for their safety and security in this country.
As their church leaders, it was hard to even know what to say. We understood their pain and the best thing we could do was to sit with them in their hurt and confusion, read God’s Word, and pray together.
For days and weeks afterward, we asked God to protect them. We knew in the deepest part of our being that God was sovereign, that He knew the plight of our church family and would care for them, and that only He could pave a way for a more just system for all who live in this country.
This is the hard reality of every election. There will always be people put at risk because of new leadership. In fact, if we’re being honest, most of the time, the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized get caught in the crosshairs of politicking. I’m feeling the weight of this reality in this current election as well. Perhaps you are too.
I don’t know who is going to win the election today, but I am certain that some of us will witness the results with dread. I say this as someone who identifies as politically homeless. I’m not trying to dig on one candidate or the other. Whether our next commander in chief is a person from the right, the left, or the middle, their leadership will both positively and negatively impact certain demographics in our country.
There’s no doubt that we will have work to do in the days and months ahead. There will be situations that demand we actively love all our neighbors and raise our voices to speak up for those who can’t. But today, I’m choosing to take a deep breath and remind myself to trust in God.
Whoever the next president will be, it won’t be decided by chance. Theologian R.C. Sproul once said, “God doesn’t roll dice.” Not only does God know who will win the election, He is also sovereign over this next president as well. Daniel 2:21 reminds us that it is God who both removes and sets up kings. God can do this because He is the king of the universe, and today, like every day, He is seated on His throne. God, our one true leader, creates all things, directs all things, sustains all things, and works all things together for good.
On this Election Day, God is asking us to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). No matter if this day leaves you in smiles or tears, no matter if this day fills you with joy or with dread, God is still king on His throne. Our ultimate allegiance is to Him, and we can trust that He will sovereignly rule over our next president.
We don’t know what these next four years will hold. We don’t know how God will call us to love and stand up for our neighbors. We could exhaust ourselves thinking about that today. So, instead, let’s put our minds and hearts to rest, just for this day. Let’s slow ourselves down. Take a deep breath and choose to be still. God is sovereign. That truth alone can sustain us today.
Leave a Comment
aorie01@gmail.com says
Good morning and thank you Michelle. As Christians, we should focus on God and not allow a political party allegiance to come before that. I am also politically homeless because I am a citizen of heaven. My pastor always says no political candidate fully embodies the attributes of Jesus because they are flawed human beings as each of us are flawed. We have to keep our faith in God. Also, we have to love our Christian brothers and sisters who may think, vote and look differently than us. As a Christian Nigerian-American woman, my heart has been shattered in unspeakable ways this year but I place my trust in God because my allegiance to him is greater than any heartbreak and disappointment I may have with anyone. Jesus died for us to love each other unconditionally and authentically. God bless you!
Carrie says
Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are frail as breath. What good are they? Isaiah 2:22
Michelle Reyes says
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing these words. I completely agree! We must focus on God today and always and place our trust and allegiance in him. I’m so sorry for the pains you’ve experienced this year. It has been an incredibly hard hard year. May the Lord be with you today, friend, and comfort you with himself.
J. Johnson says
Michelle,
You spoke with such clarity and boldness. Thank you for your honesty and candor. I am employed by the government and my office is political. No matter who is President we serve that person. Some rule with meanness some rule with kindness. I’ve worked through 4 presidents. Lately, I’ve had to back away from listening and watching what is going on in this political climate many times. I listen and watch to pray for God to rule and reign and to bring peace to those of us who will work through whomever will be President. Thank you I’m encouraged by your devotional.
Becky Keife says
J, God bless you as you serve in your role. Grateful to know people like you are praying as they work.
Michelle Reyes says
Thanks so much for your perspective! We are citizens of heaven, called to advance God’s kingdom as in heaven now on earth. And yes, we do that by living peacefully, praying for our leaders and, in the words of Jesus, “giving to Caesar’s what is Caesar’s.” We can do all this because we serve the one true King, who sits on his throne and is sovereign over the politics of men.
Mary Carver says
Thank you, Michelle. I needed this kind dose of wisdom this morning. (I’ll probably need it multiple times today and over the next several days.) I appreciate your heart and your encouragement for us to lean on God and not our leaders or our own understanding.
Michelle Reyes says
Thank you, Mary. Yes, same. I’m finding myself continually telling myself today, “breath. God is in control.” Praising God for his sovereignty today.
Dorina says
I am so grateful for this reminder: “Our ultimate allegiance is to Him, and we can trust that He will sovereignly rule over our next president.” Thank you for speaking truth in this article and reminding us we can trust God in all things! I needed that today!
Michelle Reyes says
Amen! Our allegiance is to King Jesus and to advancing God’s kingdom. No matter what political party we vote for, we must know our identity is never found in fellow humans. God is on the throne and that is a comforting truth today.
Daniella says
Thanks so much for writing this. My soul, like for many others, has been stirred beyond exhaustion during the present political and social climate in our homes and neighborhoods. It is so good to be reminded that God is in charge of everything and everyone. God bless you and yours.
Michelle Reyes says
Friend, I understand the exhaustion. Yes, I’m feeling it too! May we rest in Jesus today. And may we pray for God to give us his peace that surpasses all understanding. He truly is in control. This day is not chaotic to him and that is a comfort we can cling to <3
Carol Gonzalez says
I am hoping for calm around the country no matter what the results of the election are. I too believe that God will have His hand on this 100% (as far as the election results). I do pray for the lives of unborn babies if the election goes one way. I am 64 years old and even in the last election when Hillary Clinton was defeated by President Trump I do not remember it being so filled with hate as this election is. Please stay safe and well and wear your masks and social distance!
Michelle Reyes says
Me too! May we vote to further the peace of Jesus and may we respond to the election with Jesus’ peace as well. May this country see the love and peace of Jesus through the body of Christ this week no matter who wins or who loses.
Susan E Long says
Thank you so much for these words! The truth well-said!
Michelle Reyes says
Thank you, Susan!
Betsy says
Alleluia!!!
Kathy Francescon says
Amen!! God is always in control! He is in all and over all!! Praise His Holy Name!
Stephanie says
What a breath of fresh air in this political climate. I’m also politically homeless. It’s a daily battle to remember that this story we are living in right now is the very small story (covid, the election, etc) and God’s Story has and will continue to reign. One hundred years from now the small story will be something else. But God’s story remains the same. May God bless you and your husband in your efforts to lead your faith community and to follow Jesus closely. Thank you for bravely sharing this message today.
Barb kreun says
Thank you for these Biblical reminders so full of promise.
I also am a member of a Multicultural Church and know the angst of some of our undocumented congregants whom I have come to Love. They have taught me to express myself in truth with a humble spirit, yet a strong resolve to do my best for myGod and for neighbor.
I also thank you for the confirmation that a Christian can be nonpartisan.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Barb,
You rock! If only more people had your heart!
Love you friend,
Bev xx
Becky Keife says
Grateful for your words today, friend, and for the sovereignty of King Jesus!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Amen, Becky!
Just wanted you to know that I’ve had so many friends comment that “Take Heart” devotional has been a comfort through this election process. May only One name be praised!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Becky Keife says
Bev, I love hearing that!
Joan Acomb says
Thank you for this message today and for the reminder that no matter what, He’s Got This!
Janet Williams says
Thank you Michelle. Sadly, people get “crazy” in their excitement as well as their disappointments and sadly bad things happen in the “crazy”. I pray everyone will be safe. As Joan said, “God’s got this”
Gloria Parsons says
Written very beautiful and I passed it on to my friends. Thanks for reminding us who really is in charge. Thank you Jesus.
Mitch Clarke says
EXCELLENT!!!
Linda says
AMEN! WELL SAID!!
Maureen O”Keefe-Strang says
Thank you. I needed to read this. It’s very calming to my heart and soul.
Kelli says
amen
Jennifer Haynie says
Michelle,
Amen, sister! Thank you for your words and your wisdom. I’ve always enjoyed your posts because they make me think. Thank you for all that you do, and I love Austin. Keep up the great writing. We’ll see what happens, but you are so right. God is our ultimate king, and His will be done.
Beth Williams says
Michelle,
These have been some tumultuous years. There has been good improvements like more higher paying jobs. There have been downsides also. My comment at work yesterday was “no matter who wins the election-God is still in control.” We need to earnestly pray for the next president & for God to guide him. Like I’ve said all year “God’s got this”. He won’t be surprised by who wins, just how we react to it. We as Christians need to show the world that we can take a win or defeat equally knowing God is still on the throne.
Blessings 🙂
I DB says
I Love it❕ Your reply, that is❗
Kelli says
Beautiful message and a true message.
Thank you.