So, you have voted, and now, the election is over.

Maybe as you cast your ballot, you were excited about your role in deciding the country’s future. Maybe you were reluctant, unsure of how you voted. Or, maybe the entire process left you discouraged at the state of things. No matter where you stand, there are some truths believers in Jesus Christ should hold onto moving forward. You see, what we do next is what matters now! In fact, it may be the most important thing — even more impactful than our vote now being tabulated.

Here are some reminders for voters who are followers of Jesus Christ.

People are not our enemy.

They are not. The temptation of these days is to divide, to point fingers, to draw lines. Whether the election result is what we hoped or not, it seems easy to let anger seep in, even for the most reasonable of people. But, we must be sure: Our enemy is not a person or a group of people. Division, hatred, and bickering are all of the real enemy, Satan. In these post-election days, believers must be certain that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). People are not our enemy.

We are to pray for the winners.

If our candidate won or lost, the Bible is crystal clear: Our job, our duty is to pray for our leaders. The most effective thing we can do is entrust them to God by faithfully carrying them to His throne. God alone grants wisdom, He alone changes hearts, and God alone is infinite in the knowledge of what needs to happen next. So, today, instead of gloating in the results or fretting in the defeat, let us calmly, firmly commit to pray for our leaders. “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

People need Jesus.

The biggest shame in all the ruckus of an election is the loss of the truth that people’s greatest need is Jesus. While pundits from both sides loudly proclaim the needs of society (healthcare, economic stability, environmental protection, military might, strong borders, etc.), believers can start to lose sight of the fact that not one of those things will bring a lasting peace. Not one of those things is the answer people truly need. As the election passes, let us urgently focus our attention back on the truth that people need Jesus. Our hope, our future, our eternity all rest on Him! May we expend even more air, energy, and effort proclaiming the good news of Jesus now that the election is over.

God is in control.

Good news! Our God is wise, He is powerful, He is righteous and good, and — He is fully, totally in control! He has not lost control. He is not waiting on election results to see if He keeps control. Our God is in control.

Think about what a terrible slight it is against Him for believers to infer anything different. Do we believe what we say? Is He all that we profess? Yes, He is — and so much more! Christians, we don’t have to worry about all the “what ifs.” Instead, we can remember “what is.” God is in control!

The BEST is still ahead!

This election has revealed a lot. It has revealed hatred and division. It has revealed fear and uncertainty. And, it has revealed the hopelessness of manmade solutions to manmade messes. As Americans, and even as the church, we long for the way things were (or at least how they seemed to be). Here is something great: Right now, for those who’ve placed their trust in Jesus Christ, the best is still ahead! Read that again — the BEST is still ahead!

Ahead is not universal healthcare, but a day when sickness can’t be found. Ahead is not legislated morality, but a day when sin is no more. Ahead is not a better government, but a perfect one, resting upon Jesus’ shoulders. Ahead is not a peace treaty or a peace accord, but permanent peace secured by the Prince of Peace. Ahead is not a congress, a senate, or a president, but a King above all other kings. Ahead are not days to endure, but days without end, all spent celebrating our Savior. And, best yet, then, we will not long to see Him, we will be with Him, our faith finished in sight. The best is still ahead!

Oh, what a day that will be!