Two Senate Races Are Still Uncalled. How Do Christians Wait Well?

By Dr. Layne McDonald

Christians wait well by trusting God, praying instead of worrying, and staying kind while the counting goes on. Waiting is hard when the answer matters to us. But God is not rushed, and He is not worried. We can rest in Him while we wait for the final word.

What happened

As of Wednesday evening, November 4, two US Senate races, in Alaska and Mississippi, remain too close to call, and final results may take days. In Mississippi, the Democratic challenger leads the sitting Republican senator by about 1,100 votes with about 96 percent of ballots counted. So the waiting continues. For many people, this is the hardest part of election week. The ads are done. The votes are cast. Now there is nothing to do but wait, and waiting tests the heart like few things can.

What does the Bible say?

God's people have always had to wait, and God has always given them words for the waiting. In Psalm 27:14, David says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Notice that waiting is tied to strength and courage. Waiting is not weakness. Done God's way, waiting is an act of trust. It says God is still in charge, even when the answer is not in yet.

Isaiah gives us a picture of what God does for people who wait on Him. In Isaiah 40:31, he says those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. Waiting on God is not empty time. God works in us while we wait.

Paul speaks to the worry that rises up during a long wait. In Philippians 4:6-7, he tells us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring everything to God in prayer, with thanks. Then he promises that the peace of God, which is bigger than our understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. That promise is for election week too. Peace is not found in a result. Peace is found in a Person.

How does a Christian go about this?

We treat waiting as a spiritual practice, not dead time. We slow down, we pray more than we refresh the news, and we guard our words while the count finishes.

Put it into practice

• Pray first. When worry rises, pray for the count to be fair and for peace in every home watching it.

• Limit the refresh. Check the news at set times, then put the phone down and live your day.

• Stay kind online. Do not share angry guesses or unkind words about people on any side.

• Thank God out loud. Name good gifts in your life today, even while the answer is unknown.

• Keep your normal good work. Serve your family, love your neighbor, and do the next right thing.

• Rest at night. God stays awake so you do not have to. Sleep is an act of trust.

Carry this with you

Friend, an uncalled race is a small picture of a big truth. So much of life is waiting for an answer we cannot hurry. In every wait, God is near, God is calm, and God is faithful. You do not have to hold your breath until the final number lands. Breathe. Pray. Trust the One who was Lord before the election, and who will still be Lord long after the results are old news.

Questions people ask

Is it wrong to feel anxious while I wait for results?

No. Feeling anxious is human, and God does not scold you for it. He invites you to bring that worry to Him in prayer. Feelings are a signal to pray, not a sign that your faith has failed.

What should I do if the final result is not the one I hoped for?

Pray for the leaders who win, honor the process, and keep loving your neighbors. God has carried His people through every kind of season. He will carry you through this one too, and your hope was never in a race.

Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.