Dear New Life,

I had a friend text me this past week to make a very specific prayer request. She was hoping to meet a particular person who could help solve a problem she was facing. I told her I would pray for that, but I reminded her that God is powerful enough to help her no matter who she meets (or doesn't).

If your mailbox or text inbox is like mine, you can't escape the fact that the elections are taking place this week. Many people are dealing with a heightened level of anxiety regarding the possible outcomes. I'm not immune to that, and I suspect you aren't, either.

On this particular week, I want to remind you that we worship the God of the universe. His goodness, His power, His justice, and His love for us is not conditioned on what country we live in or what politics govern that land. We can easily tie our hope to "outcomes," but God is calling us to trust in Him. On the surface, this is elections week, but I wonder if it would be better to call it "growth week." Our good and gracious God is reminding us that our hope should not rest on any human system, but in Him.

May you exchange any anxiety you are feeling for peace, as you dwell on the nature of who God is. When you love Jesus and trust in Him, you win ... no matter the circumstances of the moment.

Joel VanderSchel, On Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team