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STAND FIRM: Your Post-Election Strategy (part 2)

Jake McCandless

Make the Most of Now

      This presidential election got me thinking like no other. For the first time, I’ve really wrestled with how elections shape our lives, futures and faith. Back in 2016, during my first book marketing meeting, I realized how much elections influence people’s mindsets. At that time, during the Obama presidency, Christians in the church seemed more alert. There was concern about religious liberty, how political decisions might affect our faith and what our kids were being exposed to. People were on edge and preparing for potential challenges.

      But after Trump’s election, everything shifted. It felt like many Christians relaxed as if the battle was over. We kicked back, put our feet up and assumed everything was fine. That mindset concerns me deeply. I pray we don’t respond the same way this time. That’s why I’m challenging you to think differently and develop a post-election strategy for your life.

      Here’s what I’ve learned after years of studying Bible prophecy and the persecuted church — the church grows strongest under pressure. When it’s pushed into a corner or finds itself in the minority, that’s when it thrives. That has been true throughout history, around the world today and prophecy tells us it will be true in the future.

      But here’s the thing — we don’t have to wait for persecution to wake us up. We can’t afford to be lulled into complacency by temporary peace or prosperity. That’s the danger — when we think we’re “safe,” we start to drift.

      Even if this next presidency aligns more with our values and offers a reprieve, it is still temporary. We might get four years, maybe eight, but we know how this age ends. True peace and prosperity will only come when Jesus reigns on His throne here on Earth. Until then, sin will continue to snowball, just as Paul described in Romans 1. Once the floodgates of wickedness are opened, they do not close easily.

      I don’t believe we’ve been fully handed over to a reprobate mind as a nation, but many individuals are already there. And let’s be candid, it wouldn’t take much for us to fall into the same trap. A few clicks, a few compromises, and we’re on the edge.

      So what do we do?

      I believe we may see a reprieve — a pause in the relentless push of agendas opposed to God’s truth. That’s what I mean by reprieve, and I think it’s best understood with this metaphor.

      When someone is terminally ill, they often have a moment — a day or even a stretch of time — when they seem to rally. It’s as if God gives them and their loved ones a break from the heaviness. Families reconnect, share words they hadn’t spoken before, and create memories. But here’s the danger: sometimes, we mistake that reprieve for healing. We think everything is turning around. If we’re not careful, we waste the moment. When the reality of loss returns, we are left with regret. I’ve experienced this myself, and I regret not recognizing those moments for what they were or making the most of them.

      That’s how I view this next season. It could be four years, maybe less, or it might not happen at all. However, if we get a reprieve, we can’t waste it. We need to act with urgency starting now.

      This isn’t about politics or fighting for a specific agenda. It’s bigger than that. Use this time to grow spiritually. Anchor yourself in your faith. Share the gospel and live in a way that points others to God’s power. Strengthen your family and church, so you’re prepared for whatever challenges come next — because they will come. If this is a reprieve, we need to take it seriously. There’s no time to delay.

      I challenge you to set a clear goal for your spiritual growth and disciple-making. Use this time to prepare yourself and those around you. Don’t miss this opportunity. Let’s make the most of the time we’ve been given.