We were told we would have to wait days to learn who the next president would be. We wondered if we would see another election stained by accusations of foul play. Many were uneasy at the thought of a decidedly anti-Christian, anti-Biblical-morality candidate winning the election. By God’s grace, none of these came to pass. As I sit reflecting on what happened this election cycle, I believe it is essential to encourage us as believers on how we should think and respond in situations like this. As a result, I would like to encourage you with three thoughts.

First, it is clear that God has granted us a reprieve from the bullet train of wickedness that has been hurtling down the tracks. While there is little doubt that society’s degradation will continue, it will hopefully slow for a time. The potential of persecutory laws against those who hold to a Christian worldview has all but disappeared for a time. For this, we are thankful. God does not owe this country anything. Yet, God saw fit to give us more time to battle the evil around us.

Second, we should continue to rest in God’s sovereign care. Whether Harris had won or, as happened, Trump won, God is the sovereign ruler of all who places and deposes leaders (Daniel 4:25). It is natural for believers to feel angst and anxiety as we consider the potential of wicked rulers. Yet, we must remind ourselves every election that God is not on the ballot. Christ’s throne is not a democracy. He reigns eternal. Further, we must remind ourselves, regardless of the election outcome, that Christ’s Kingdom is coming and that God has sovereignly ordained everything that happens towards that end. So we rest. Jesus told us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

Finally, we must recognize that this election is only a reprieve. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). President-elect Trump is not the Messiah. True and lasting change can only come from Christ. And His power flows through the Gospel (Romans 1:16). Celebrate elections if you must. But remember where your true citizenship lies. We seek a city whose builder and maker is God. And we desire that all we know and love join us as citizens of this greater and better Kingdom. Use the reprieve that God has granted to seek Gospel advance.

Rejoice and give thanks for the gracious mercy God showed us this week. Recognize that all come from His sovereign hand. And use this time as an opportunity for the Gospel. We are privileged to live in the greatest country on earth. Let us not waste that privilege on the temporal and frivolous. Instead, seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.