I have been involved as a candidate in 3 political campaigns. I won one, lost one, and won the third one. It is hard to lose – especially after working hard to be elected and running because I felt this was God’s plan for me. Phil and I had prayed about entering as a candidate, I won, worked very hard to serve my community well, and we felt I should run again to continue my service.

I lost.

Had I missed hearing God’s will for me? Was I right the first time and wrong the second? No, I don’t believe so. Campaigns can be nasty. There were lies spread about me that were hurtful but that is not unusual in politics. Yet the outcome was God’s plan. The loss was his plan. I don’t understand but I BELIEVE in the sovereignty of God and that his will for me is for my ultimate good.

I believe the governments of men are ordained by God. The outcome of elections are subject to God’s sovereignty. Throughout the Bible we see the rulers of various groups or nations rule with justice and integrity – and we also see rulers who are despicable – ruling with self interest, greed, and disregard for their subjects. The Bible is clear – God sets these rulers in place for his purposes to fulfill his ultimate will. I don’t understand his ways – but God is God.

So on this election day I do the following –

• Pray
• Vote
• Love my neighbors

I pray – “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

Amen.