My like is complete chaos… filled with grief, stress, health issues, anxieties, and responsibilities unheard of… just one person dealing with way too much in this chaotic world gone mad.
I’d hate being president. I’d have to be responsible for an entire country, not to mention what I can barely handle as a new widow with a teen and young adult children; as all of us try to cope with our loss and deal with life’s challenges the best we can.
I’ve never felt such a strong sense of dread about casting my vote in an election. I’m one person, but I believe it’s a privilege to vote, along with a responsibility to our country.
I’m not here to talk about the candidates. That’s already been done. It’s a crazy election year; filled with lies, fears, evil, and secrets from every angle. It’s downright ugly.
I want to cast my vote for SpongeBob. He’s a good guy, loves everyone, is raw and honest; and just wants everyone to get along and be happy.
But there are lies and attacks from the enemy everywhere we turn. Our children are in danger from the lies on social media and in schools. Adults are just as susceptible to falling for false information. The devil is a deceiver. What are we supposed to do, when it’s harder than ever to figure out which choices are the right ones?
One of these choices is voting for our president. We may not get our choice as to who will become the president of the United States. But we do have a choice to be a beautiful bright light in this ugly, cold, dark world.
Insulting and disrespecting others, and cutting family and friends out of our lives; just because they vote for a different candidate than we do; is the saddest thing of all. It gives the enemy a win, and the ultimate enemy is the devil; not a candidate.
I have friends and family voting for different candidates for various reasons. I don’t believe anyone close to me is being blinded. I’ve had heart to heart discussions with people who can handle differences of opinion without losing it (yes, it can be done!) I believe the people close to me in my life are trying their best to filter through lies and get to the truths they can find; and praying and using their hearts, along with whatever wisdom, knowledge, and discernment they have; so they can cast a vote in the best interests of our country.
I don’t believe everyone is paying attention. I believe many are blind, not seeing what’s right in front of their faces. The Bible says, “Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind” (Jn. 9:39 NLT). We need Jesus to see more clearly.
It’s become even more difficult for people to see clearly, because the lies run so rampant online, we can’t see the forest for the trees.The lies are contaminating the media. So much is fake and false, even in our churches. The Bible warns us, “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” It’s more important than ever for Christians to pray for wisdom and discernment.
It’s a bad time right now, but if we take a moment to remember that God is in control, and Jesus is the true King; we can all breathe a little better. God’s side is the only side anyone should be on; for He is always on our side. He wants the best for us; freedom, joy, hope, love, and our free gift of eternal salvation.
So taking a moment to consider that Love is not love; but rather GOD is Love; maybe we can all follow Jesus as to how we should treat others during this election…. with love. Insults, ridicule, guilt; and fear mongering all breed hate. Don’t let the devil stir that up and steal your wonderful gifts of family and friends. Satan is a deceiver: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (Jn. 10:10 NIV).
We can take a moment to remember that since God is love; we are also to love one another throughout this election; no matter whom anyone votes for, or who ends up becoming president.
Breathe! God is in control, not a presidential candidate. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Rm. 13:1 NIV)
God puts bad guys in authority? That can be really hard to understand, but God has a bigger picture. Why was Hitler put into power? The Jews endured hell on earth! Is it God calling his own people and all the peoples unto Him to show that they need Him, because real Hell exists and it’s worse than any hell on earth? I don’t know all the answers, but I trust God and I believe He truly does have a greater plan, no matter what it looks like on earth… and it’s a plan involving great knowledge, wisdom, and love, along with the gift of eternal salvation.
I couldn’t help but think about how King Herod in the Bible ordered baby boys to be killed, because he was hoping to obliterate Baby Jesus, The Son of God! It’s tragically awful that innocent babies lost their lives. It’s difficult to comprehend how this could be part of God’s plan. But it was. And God protected Jesus. And those babies went to Heaven, and continue to enjoy a greater life than they ever would have had on earth.
When I’m hurting and missing my husband who died in February of 2023, I think of the silver lining: My Dave is so incredibly joyful at being up in Heaven with Jesus! It helps me feel better. Knowing I’ll see him again helps me feel even more at peace.
We don’t have to fear what’s ahead, because God has a greater plan “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rm. 8:28).
I think SpongeBob would say, “Can’t we just all get along and love each other?” But, that’s not gonna happen. Everyone wants peace on earth, but Jesus said, “ ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘ “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household” ’ ” Matt 10: 35-36).
Let’s not take this out of context like so many other things in the Bible along with this election. Jesus IS peace. God wants our families and friends to live in harmony, forgive, and reconcile when possible. These verses are in reference to what happens when we don’t agree to follow the only and best candidate: Jesus Christ.
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” ( Mt. 10: 37).
This means put Jesus first. Stand by his truths as you minister to your family, not giving in to the lies of the enemy. Love them in truth.
It’s pointless to worry whether our family and friends vote for the same or a different presidential candidate. What matters is that everyone is aligned in their votes for God; choosing to follow Jesus. That’s the only way any peace will be found.
It’s time to stop worrying about which candidate to support, and start standing up for Jesus. For,
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt. 10:38).
Look at the good stuff that comes with following Jesus! You find your life…
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Mt. 10:39).
And God will roll out the holy welcome mat for you…
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me” (Mt. 10:40).
Sounds like a win-win to me! If we want a sure solid winner who will provide the ultimate victory, we only need to choose GOD.
Nothing else is important, and is surely not worth damaging your healthy relationships over. If you really want to win, follow Jesus; because God gets the victory every time… and until, and through, and past the end of time.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:27).
Whether you vote for Harris, Trump, or SpongeBob, set your heart on Jesus, and then, you can count on an eternal victory!
Prayer: God guide my vote; give me wisdom and discernment. Take away any fear, guilty, and anxiety at the ballot box. Replace those evil spirits with freedom, hope, peace, and confidence in Christ. It’s really all about you, Sweet Jesus!
By Angela Royse Pelleman
At The Silver Lining
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The Silver Lining 
Amen! “I pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is Truth.” – John 17:15-17
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