Pastor's Ponderings, October 24, 2026

God Will Get the Glory in This Election

As November 3, 2026, approaches, Americans are preparing to vote in national and state elections. For some people, the election brings excitement and hope. For others, it brings worry and uncertainty about what the future may hold. Much depends on which candidates win and what decisions they make once they take office. As Christians, we must ask ourselves an important question: How should we approach politics while keeping our faith in God? Should we support a particular political party, become involved in the political process, or simply pray and leave everything in God's hands? How can we participate in our nation's future while remembering that our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Lord?

In the Bible, during the days of the prophet Samuel, the people of Israel wanted a king so they could be like the nations around them. They wanted a leader who would go before them and fight their battles (1 Samuel 8:19–20). In seeking an earthly king, they were turning away from God as their ultimate ruler. We face a similar temptation today. It is easy to put too much hope in political leaders, believing that the right person in office will solve all our problems. While leadership matters, no human leader can meet every need or guarantee a better future. Politicians have their own interests, priorities, and limitations.

The Bible reminds us that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people suffer (Proverbs 29:2). This teaches us that leadership has real consequences for the lives of ordinary people. Therefore, we should take our voting responsibilities seriously while remembering that no political leader can take God's place in our lives.

I believe that God remains sovereign over the affairs of this world. Proverbs 21:1 compares a king's heart to streams of water that the Lord can direct wherever He wills. This reminds us that earthly authority is not greater than God's authority. But what should we do when elected leaders make decisions, we disagree with, behave in questionable ways, or pursue policies that harm others?

The Bible gives us clear guidance. First Timothy 2:1–2 instructs us to offer prayers, petitions, intercession, and thanksgiving for everyone, including kings and those in positions of authority. We are called to pray for our leaders so that people may live peaceful and godly lives. Praying for a leader does not mean approving of everything that person says or does. We can disagree with a leader's decisions and still pray for wisdom, integrity, justice, and good judgment. We can speak out against wrongdoing while asking God to guide those who have the responsibility to govern. This requires faith, patience, and spiritual maturity. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. With His help, we can pray for people we disagree with, treat others respectfully, and stand firmly for what we believe is right.

As we prepare to vote, let us seek God's wisdom rather than allowing anger, fear, or political pressure to make our decisions for us. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, who gives generously to those who seek Him. Let us carefully consider the candidates, their character, their policies, and how their decisions may affect our families, communities, and the most vulnerable among us. Let us also ask God to guide us in deciding where to invest our time, our resources, and our support. We may not agree on every candidate or political issue, even among fellow believers. Nevertheless, we can remember that our Christian responsibility extends beyond the ballot box. We must continue to love our neighbors, care for those in need, speak the truth, and seek peace.

Whatever the election results may be, our hope must remain in God. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works in all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This does not mean that every political outcome will be good or that we will never experience hardship. It means that God remains faithful and can work even in difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes. As we approach this election, let us vote prayerfully, serve faithfully, and trust God completely. Let us pray for our nation, for those who will be elected, and for the people whose lives will be affected by their decisions.

Political leaders may change, administrations may come and go, but God remains on His throne. Let us do our part as responsible citizens while remembering that our greatest allegiance is to the Lord. Whatever happens on Election Day, let our words, our actions, and our lives bring glory to God.

1 Samuel 8:19-20

New International Version

19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.

20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”

 

Proverbs 29:2

New International Version

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

 

Proverbs 21:1

New International Version

21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

 

Romans 8:28

New International Version

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.