On my way home from Dripping Springs last weekend, I was traveling on Route 165 as the sun went down. As I drove down the enormous hill, I saw the most beautiful sunset. The luminous colors were picture-perfect. As I came down the hill towards 281, I saw flashing lights everywhere with police directing traffic to go the opposite way I needed to go. So, I did, for about 2 miles. When I was finally able to turn around and go the correct way, I passed what looked like a multiple-car pileup. I was sobered by all I saw.
Perhaps this is a picture of our lives. One minute, we can be on top of the mountain joyously taking it all in, and the next moment, we can be staring at an accident that has seriously affected our lives forever.
How do we handle the highs and lows of life? This election week, we have a choice. How will we respond to the highs and lows of this election? If your candidate gets in or not, will you have a deep trust that God is sovereign over all things that happen?
What does “sovereign” mean? It means “supreme power or authority.” Many people would say that God is sovereign, which means that God is God. He has the supreme power and authority over everything. God’s sovereignty was on display when He sent His Son to reconcile humanity back to Himself so that we could enter into a personal relationship with Jesus.
Instead of freaking out in the highs and lows of life, I am reminded of His perfect love for all of us! He is all-powerful and able to do anything. If we're upset about the election, we can turn to God in prayer instead of going to social media. Any problem or concern we face can be brought to him in prayer.
These verses seem perfect for this week:
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17
“And looking at them Jesus said to them, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26
“I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2
It’s election time! Putting our faith in a God that is sovereign helps us weather any storm. We learn to trust God completely, not the results of an election. We don’t have to be afraid, but instead, look to God’s sovereignty and find peace and hope. Will you trust Him today and in the days ahead?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.