It’s not about the candidates, it’s about us. This is not a party post, but a God post.

We’re on the eve of one of the most polarizing U.S. elections I’ve ever experienced. Each side fears disaster if their candidate loses. They say never to mix religion and politics, but God cares about both. If He counts the hairs on our heads, He certainly cares how we are governed. He is a God of justice and mercy.

When the future feels uncertain, we don’t have to sit helplessly or anxiously. God can take care of His people, no matter the outcome.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two ^[a]copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Luke 12:6-8

Between Diagnosis and Prognosis

I remember the anxiousness I felt between my cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The question then is the same one we face now: What if the worst happens?

If the other guy wins, has God abandoned us?

The truth is—God is the God of the in-between. In uncertainty, we can plan our response. Scripture reminds us to cast our anxieties on Him, resist the enemy, and trust His restoring power.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:7-11

What I Can Control

When stress rises, the wisest question we can ask is: What can I control?

Before my cancer results came back, I decided in advance that I would trust God no matter what. That choice anchored me.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

The Toilet Paper Crisis of 2020

Preparing for Peace

We prepare for hurricanes with supplies—why not do the same for our hearts? Before the results come, I’m building my anti-fear arsenal:

• Search Scripture on fear, peace, and hope.

• Memorize verses that rise up when fear tries to speak.

• Speak truth aloud to silence anxious thoughts.

As Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

Winston Churchill

The Plan

Start — Speak God’s Word when fear comes. (Psalm 56:3–4; Isaiah 41:10)

Decide — Choose now to be at peace no matter the outcome. (Psalm 46; John 14:1)

Plan — Pray for wisdom on what policies to support or oppose. (1 Timothy 2:1)

Contingency — If tensions rise, overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

Proclamation According to 1 Peter 5

Whether my candidate wins or loses, I will be strong in the Lord. I will:

Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)

Cast all my cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7)

Be watchful yet full of peace (1 Peter 5:8)

Stand firm in faith (1 Peter 5:9)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;^[a] believe also in me.”

Jesus