“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV)

How should a Christian react to the results of the election? By keeping your faith and hope in God’s promise of a better country to come. This is how God’s people of old persevered as they came to realize this world was not their true home (Hebrews 11). Believing that God had something better for them, they were willing to see themselves as strangers and exiles on this earth. Their hearts longed for a homeland which they could only see by faith. They believed God’s promise of a heavenly country that was far better than their native land. They lived their lives in pursuit of that great homeland to come. And God was pleased to be called their God.

This election reminds us that, as the followers of Jesus Christ, we really are sojourners and exiles (1 Pet. 2:11). We love our earthly homeland and want the best for it, but our affections and hopes must be centered supremely on the things of Christ: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). While the ways of God may not be honored now in our land, we have the promise of a much better land where “the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations” (Isa. 61:11). We know the greatest Leader, King Jesus, is coming. The government will rest upon His shoulders and He will reign with perfect justice and righteousness forever (Isa. 9:6-7). Therefore, let us be thankful for “receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb, 12:28).

So how do we live here now? We keep following the way that Christ has called us to live. We keep our hope in the power of the gospel to save and change people (Rom. 1:16). We keep living in an honorable, Christ-exalting way before the world (1 Pet. 2:12). We submit to our civil leaders (1 Pet. 2:13). We keep shining as lights in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation (Phil. 2:15), knowing that the testimony to Christ shines most distinctively in moral darkness.

And we live as people of joy and hope in Jesus Christ. There is no fear in God’s people. We know the Lord is on the throne. We know He has something much better waiting for us. We will live here as His ambassadors – loving God, loving others and upholding the word of life.

So do not let an election in your country get you down or turn you away from how Christ has called you to live. Keep your eyes on the prize and live by faith in God’s promises. Remember, Christian, a better country is yours and it is coming.