By Kurt Weaver
Every election season brings a wave of emotions – anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and sometimes disappointment. As followers of Jesus, we know that some of the candidates and causes we support will win, and others will lose. That reality can be hard to accept, especially when we deeply care about the moral and spiritual direction of our nation.
In front of our state Capitol is a statement engraved in the granite wall, “In God We Trust”.
Although elections are important for the health of our state and nation, our hope has never been rooted in who wins or loses a race. Our confidence rests in a higher throne, the eternal reign of God. Scripture reminds us that “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will” (Daniel 4:17) and “the king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1). Elections may change leaders, but they never change the sovereignty of God. We must look higher!
As we look ahead, how should we respond in these moments?
1. Trust God’s Providence.
Even when outcomes don’t go as we hoped, we can rest in knowing that God’s plans are never thwarted. He is working in ways we may not see, and His purposes will stand. Our task is to remain faithful, steadfast, and confident in His ultimate authority.
2. Celebrate Righteous Leadership.
When candidates who seek justice, truth, and moral integrity are elected, we should give thanks. Scripture calls us to honor and encourage leaders who promote what is good. Celebrate their victories with humility, and pray that they would lead with wisdom and courage.
3. Pray for All Leaders.
The Apostle Paul urged believers to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:2). Whether we voted for them or not, we are commanded to pray for those in authority—that God would grant them wisdom, humility, and a heart that seeks what is right.
4. Keep Making a Difference.
Elections are not the end of our Christian influence; they’re just one opportunity among many. We are called to be salt and light every day, to shape our communities, and to live out the gospel in both public and private life. And, seek to be an advocate for moral and righteous policies, which is loving our neighbors.
Your Role
That’s why your role as Christ followers matters so much in the in-between moments. This is not a calling just for pastors. Scripture reminds us that “solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). In a culture full of noise and shortcuts, you can model and teach what it looks like to think biblically about candidates and issues, to do the hard work of research and study, and to disciple others in your sphere of influence now—long before the next election—so they grow into informed, discerning citizens whose decisions flow from minds renewed by the Word. This is one of the ways we love our neighbours.
In the end, our calling does not change based on election results. We are still ambassadors of Christ. We still proclaim His truth. And we still trust that He reigns over every nation, every leader, and every heart. It is HE who we serve and honor as we strive to be good citizens.
Let’s move forward with hope, prayer, and faith, knowing that our King is on the throne, and His kingdom will never fail.
Kurt Weaver serves as Director of the Church Ambassador Network and Strategic Partnerships at the Pennsylvania Family Institute. A former pastor and ministry leader, he’s passionate about equipping church leaders to engage culture with biblical wisdom and strengthen the gospel’s influence for future generations.
