No Matter What Happens at
the Polls

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Producer

CBN.com – We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

~ The Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson penned these famous words in the first months of our country’s fight for freedom from Great Britain. According to our declaration and the Bible, God, our Creator, sees us as equals and wants us all to experience freedom and joy in life. This is what I hold onto each time I step up to a voting booth, and today is no different.

A Country Divided

Some would say our country is split between Democrats and Republican, with Independents and Tea Partiers gaining media attention. Based on the bickering amongst politicians and citizens alike, it's safe to say we’re in a civil war of beliefs. No side wants to compromise their position. To a point, that’s understandable. To rethink one’s stance for the sake of “peace in politics” would be difficult indeed. However, our nation must work together if we’re ever going to accomplish anything.

“Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” (Matthew 12:25, NLT)

We need integrity and hard work coming out of our nation’s capital instead of endless “debates” that delay real action. Righteous indignation on certain issues is valid and biblical, but let's make sure that whatever we "fight" for is perfectly aligned with God's Word.

The American colonies were a refuge for the persecuted in her early years, yet we bash each other today for our personal platforms. Wouldn’t it be appropriate for an updated version of Matthew 19:19, to say: “Love your opposing party as yourself?”

Let's follow Christ’s example and Peter's advice:

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. (I Peter 3:8-9, NLT)

At the End of Election Day

As Christians, it is our responsibility to pray for our nation, more specifically our leaders. No matter who wins, we will need God’s provision, protection, and guidance. Only He knows what’s ahead; and we need to trust that by putting our faith in Him – and not politicians – the United States will see better days.

Putting all of our hope in men and women to lead us out of a financial, political, and social mess is unwise. Moses led the Israelites out of bondage, but he didn’t find the way out alone. God led him to the Promised Land. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, lead America into our Promise.

It's also important to remember that the Bible says God knows who will govern.

So that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses — even to the lowliest of people.” (Daniel 4:17, NLT)

Rest assured that whoever wins, God will guide them in the grace needed to endure the trials ahead, the Truth to live by, and the wisdom to lead. We must pray they receive this guidance.

Hannah Goodwyn is not a politically-involved person, but she does exercise her right to vote. Taking a inspiring note from John Adams (one of her favorite miniseries in recent memory), she will honor her nation's history by going to the polls on Tuesday.