The Battle Isn’t Over: Finding Hope in God’s Providence
Last week, conservatives got a gut punch. There’s no way to whitewash it. But then again, we’re also not surprised. Even in communities that seem the strongest, Americans have been splintered and biblical values severely compromised.
In 1 Peter 4, the apostle wrote to believers facing real persecution, but his words speak to every season of discouragement: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Choosing gladness during the hard times takes lots of practice, and there’s no better opportunity than Veterans Day. Historically, this day was designated for solemn reflection upon the sacrifices made by our soldiers, but we also express joyful gratitude for their costly gifts. We can learn from their training and perspective. More than anyone, our wartime soldiers and veterans understand the devastation of a battle lost. But they also know how to get up the next day and fall in line, preparing for the battle to come. Even when they can’t comprehend the greater purpose behind a war, they fight for the brothers and sisters alongside them.
To every veteran reading this: Thank you. Your sacrifice is not a metaphor to us. It is a gift we promise to treasure, honor, and remember. Your stories renew our hope and perspective.
Providential prayer
As students of American history, we celebrate the memory of Revolutionary soldiers who crossed the Delaware River and won the battle at Trenton. But in the months that followed, Americans suffered more losses than victories. Twelve hundred soldiers were lost in a crippling defeat at the Battle of Brandywine. In response, General Washington prayed for a “stroke of Providence.”
The British moved quickly to capitalize on their victory at Brandywine by mobilizing nearly 40,000 soldiers. They planned to crush the American troops, which numbered around 9,000 by then. But a crucial administrative oversight by the British and adverse weather conditions devastated their advance. Instead, a massive American victory at the Battle of Saratoga turned the tide of war.
Isn’t it amazing how God wove His power through this beleaguered, persevering army and provided an unimaginable victory? We see this time and again in the Bible, in church history, and in American history. The Lord responds to faith, no matter how small or weak it seems. With faith the size of a mustard seed, we rise again from the ashes of our circumstances. We put one foot in front of the other—all the while still worshiping Him, inviting His presence, and serving Him in love and humility. Our trials are never wasted, and they won’t have the final word.
The Lord meets us in our weakness, and He makes us strong. He gives us success that sometimes only He can see. This includes the work you poured into last week’s election—every ballot cast, every voter guide shared, every prayer lifted. Thank you. None of it is wasted when He defines success.
“ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,’
declares the LORD.
‘As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” – Isaiah 55:8-9
We’re in a spiritual battle, and it requires a spiritual solution. In this moment, as you pray for our nation, I encourage you to keep asking the Lord what He wants from you, personally. Maybe He’ll lead you to give financially, run for office, or simply gather others for prayer.
At iVoterGuide, we’re making plans for next year’s round of elections, continuing our research and providing you with shareable nuggets about elections, history, and biblical values. Personally, my husband and I are looking forward to visiting our daughter and son-in-law, who are serving the U.S Army based in Germany. We'll be counting our blessings together at Thanksgiving.
No matter how the Lord calls you to serve today or in the future, may we always remain in Him. As we stay prayerful, rooted in His word, and connected to His church, the Lord trains us for the battle to come.
I hope you’ll share this article with a friend who cares about faith and freedom. Perhaps they’ll even decide to join the iVoterGuide journey. Like Washington, we’ll keep praying and watching for the next “stroke of Providence.”
