The people have spoken
By Paul Bawden
Yes, the people have spoken. Trump won an amazing election victory. It’s been called an election for the Ages. Not since Grover Cleveland in 1893 has a president been elected to office after having been defeated in an election 4 years previously.
Trump’s victory swept the swing states, winning 45% of the Hispanic vote, in several swing states 40% of the Jewish vote, some 20% of the black vote, and in Miami-Dade County, Trump was the first Republican presidential candidate to win the county since George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Certainly, Trump’s victory was an historic comeback. Those who voted for Trump are elated. The pundits on Harris’ side are trying to figure out why they lost, particularly in such an overwhelming way.
Could there be more here than just the physical material? Could there have been a spiritual element in this 2024 election? That is could there have been a dimension in this election which causes us to consider the possibility of the biblical God being involved?
I know that seems way out in left field by some, but I remember Mike Johnson when he became Speaker of the House saying that the biblical God raises up those in authority (Daniel 2:21). He was greatly criticized by some for saying that, but a look at the biblical God’s movement through history certainly bears that out.
Does this mean that people have no say in elections? Of course not. Look at the millions of people from various ethnicities and backgrounds who voted for Trump. Each one made a personal decision to vote for Trump, while others voted for Harris. At the same time, the biblical God in His loving and sovereign way accomplished His purpose in “raising up a new leader,” who happens to be Trump. Does this mean that Trump is perfect? Not at all. At this point in time, he seems the best one to promote righteousness and curtail evil.
The President elect of the United States of America has a tremendous privilege and responsibility as he leads this great country. He will experience times of joy, but also, he will face unique challenges along with opposition and criticism. But his success will not be found in himself and those who surround him. His success will be found in following the example of Solomon who was the new king of Israel. The LORD asked Solomon what should He give him. Solomon answered, “Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
Much prayer was made for the 2024 election. Now prayer must continue for Trump’s protection and wisdom for a peaceful transition from the Biden administration to the Trump administration. Prayer should be made for wisdom for Trump as he selects his team and those he would like in his cabinet. Praying as well that the Lord would give the new administration wisdom and efficiency in fixing the many challenges facing the American people. Prayer that President Trump would trust in the Lord on a daily basis for His wisdom, guidance and direction, and lead a humble and godly life, while taking a stand for life, protecting the lives of unborn children.
Wisdom from the Lord is what our new president elect needs to lead our country. May he look to the Lord on a daily basis for His wisdom and may we as a people daily pray for wisdom for him, his Team, his Cabinet, the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the Military. May God bless the United States of America!!
Paul Bawden is married and served in the pastoral ministry for 45 years, retiring in 2011. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Speech and attended Dallas Theological Seminary, receiving a Master of Theology. He has taken counseling courses at Trinity Evangelical Seminary in Deerfield, Illinois. Paul is a lifetime member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, as well as being a member of Interim Pastor Ministries (IPM), which serves churches during their time of transition in searching for a new pastor. He writes for Union Gospel Press, as well as being a volunteer writer for GotQuestions.org. Paul likes to write, read, bike, and work in the yard. The Bawdens have had the privilege to travel to Mexico and Romania on mission trips and visited various countries in Europe.