Work Hard, but Rest in God's Plan

As election time in the United States rapidly approaches, much attention is being focused on national and state races, including the Presidential election. People on both sides of that race predict doomsday if their candidate doesn’t win; key Congressional races have potential to either support or hamper the new administration. Many are concerned about the security of the voting. And for Jewish Americans and many Christians, a big question is, how will these elections affect our relationship with Israel?

In my home state of Missouri, a proposed amendment to the state Constitution would enshrine abortion as a right statewide, for any reason, at any time; and ambiguous language not in the ballot but in the actual amendment itself could potentially impact parental rights, women’s sports, and more.

In the face of all this, how should Christians interact in their communities? What is our responsibility in the outcome? Has God already determined a result that will accomplish His will and His plan?

We can learn some things that may be helpful, by looking at the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 18. As background, things had progressively worsened in Israel, including drought and famine, foretold by Elijah as punishment for King Ahab’s leading the nation into idolatry more grievous than even his worst predecessors.

Needless to say, Elijah was not popular with Ahab for this prophecy, but Elijah himself had experienced God’s miraculous provision. He was forced to keep trusting God as the method of provision changed part way through—the brook that initially helped meet his needs dried up, but God continued to provide through a widow’s obedience, blessing both the prophet and the widow herself, including the miraculous raising of her son from the dead.

Even with this background of supernatural provision, though, Elijah felt alone. But he wasn’t! Obadiah, a servant in the king’s court who remained faithful to God, had fed and hidden a group of prophets. Now, finally, it was time to show up.

In verse 21, we read that Elijah gave the people one last chance, but there were no takers. The big God vs. Baal contest on Mt. Carmel took place, Elijah standing alone in his faith in the true God while the priests of Baal danced, begged, and pleaded. We’ve all read the story; we know Who won. Elijah victoriously killed the false prophets.

But then came Jezebel’s threat to kill Elijah. It’s easy to look back centuries later and wonder why Elijah was so frightened, but we must realize that big showdown probably took a lot out of him, just like big events take a lot out of Christians and ministers today. He was probably on an emotional high, thinking he could finally quit worrying, but then . . . He just wasn’t ready for another scene, and certainly not one involving a death threat! Discouraged and lonely, he told God he just wanted to die because he was the only one left.

But again, that wasn’t true. In verse 18, God tells Elijah what only God would have known, that 7,000 in Israel had NOT bowed to Baal. God was already working on a plan for Elisha to step in and take up the mantle (v. 16). And an angel showed up with just what we all need sometimes in the middle of a long haul—a snack and instructions to take a nap. It’s okay to rest when you need to, and especially if an angel instructs you to do so!

Working to spread truth about the Missouri ballot questions is hard; it can be confrontational in some contexts. Nationwide, Christians are campaigning for godly leaders and working to ensure that Christians get out and vote; it can be discouraging to take a whole stack of voter registration information to a special event or to your church lobby and only have a few people stop by.

Regardless of the outcome of the November 2024 or any other elections, ministry can and will go on until God’s timing for the end of the age. If the outcome is favorable for protecting the freedoms we enjoy in the USA, there will still be many lost people and still a need for a bold yet gracious witness. If our Missouri abortion amendment fails, it won’t change the fact that many women will still find themselves in difficult pregnancy circumstances and need our compassion and practical assistance. God’s covenant is still true regardless of whether the U.S. continues to befriend Israel through national policy.

Whether as a result of this election or not, it’s possible Christians in the U.S. will face tighter restrictions at some point, or have to choose to stand up for our faith. We need only read testimonies from other countries to realize we won’t be the only ones. We must pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, and while we have the freedom to do so, we can send practical assistance. Should we become part of the persecuted, we can look to the example of those who have gone before us. 

Elijah allowed God to encourage him, and he kept obeying until he was miraculously taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. We must be encouraged, and stay faithful and obedient until God chooses to take us home, whether by physical death or at Jesus’ return. So before, during, and after this election season, let’s work hard, rest when we need to, and prepare to stay faithful and ready to continue in God’s plan; nothing surprises Him.