Here's to the Winners (and the Losers!)

“Come boldly, believer, for despite the whispers of Satan and the doubts of your own heart, you are greatly loved.” – C.H. Spurgeon

This week, elections were held across the country for federal, state, and local offices. Nationally, the Democrat Party won majority control of both the Senate and the House while flipping at least five governorships and seizing control of as many as eight new state legislatures.

Long-time incumbents such as Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) went down to defeat as a Blue Wave swept across much of America. Here in Florida, the Republicans won all the statewide races, but by razor-thin margins.

Having run for public office three different times – twice for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey and once for State Representative in Florida – I know what it feels like to win… and to lose. I won two GOP primaries in 2008 and 2010 before losing handily in the general election both times to an entrenched incumbent. In 2016, I finished a distant fourth in the Republican primary.

And so, as the old ABC’s Wide World of Sports slogan said, I know both “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” One day, you are knocking on doors, marching in parades, and giving media interviews… and the next, the phone stops ringing and reporters stop calling. The campaign office goes from bustling with activity to being as quiet and deserted as a morgue.

At times like that, you might be tempted to question your value as a person. After all, in 2008, more than 70,000 people cast their ballots for me, the highest number for a Republican candidate in my solidly Democratic congressional district in more than 35 years. However, more than 200,000 voted for my opponent.

Fortunately, my identity is in Jesus Christ and that didn’t change because of the election results. Nor did the fact that I had a beautiful and supportive wife, three incredible children, scores of friends, and a vibrant prison ministry.

Today, I am praying for the election losers as they lick their wounds. I’ve been in their shoes, and I know how much it hurts to work that hard and still come up short. I am also praying for the winners, that they would be humble and gracious in victory while seeking God’s wisdom, strength, and direction to govern effectively.

My friend, please remember that no matter what Satan and the world throw at you, you are dearly loved by the Creator of the universe, and He has a very special plan for your life. Trust Him TODAY!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President