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Congratulations! You’ve survived the most toxic election in a lifetime. I read some people avoided the campaign poison by pulling the information IV from their brain—no TV or Internet news. Now some are asking for an injection of hope while others need a dose of humility.

At times like this it helps to recall Daniel  declared God “removes kings, and establishes kings” (Daniel 2:21). While over 100 million Americans voted, and in doing so expressed their will, God’s will prevailed.

Nobody knows God’s purpose. And we may never know it. But there are things we can be sure of. We can be sure God’s purpose is good. It always is. And we can be sure of how to respond.

Paul commanded us to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1). He also told us to pray for kings and those in authority so, “we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1). The apostle didn’t write this in reference to wise and godly leaders. He spoke of the Romans. He called on believers to pray for government leaders who sanctioned publicly nailing criminals to crosses so people could watch them die.

Perhaps it helps to recall the occasion when David and three thousand of his troops fled the wrath of King Saul–a half-crazy and revenge seeking ruler. Under the cover of darkness, David and Abishai, one of his mighty men, stealthily entered the king’s camp. Surrounded by his sleeping guards, the king slept as soundly as a baby in his mother’s arms.

Moving silently among the warriors Abishai saw the moment as a divine appointment. Turing to David he whispered, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands,” (1 Samuel 26:8). He begged his commander to let him kill the king with a single thrust of his spear. “I won’t strike him twice,” he said. It would be quick and painless.

Overhead the stars blinked, in the distance a wolf howled. Much closer angels leaned forward and watched as David contemplated the request. I wonder what ran through David’s mind in the moment between hearing and answering. Perhaps he thought of Saul’s ruthless and immoral wrongs committed against him. Maybe he considered what a terrible king and leader he had proven to be. Immoral. Ruthless. Insane.

Whether David entertained such thoughts we’ll never know. What we know is the warrior with a heart for God told Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9).

Regardless of how we view the election’s outcome, we must hold to the truth that God lifted up our president for his purposes, not ours.

Because I know this, tonight I’ll sleep well.

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