Let me tell you who isn't surprised; God. Our God is in control and knew all along what the outcome would be, and where it would lead us.
Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,”
Sometimes, His purpose doesn't exactly agree with our wishes:
Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD”.
As Christians, we shouldn't be overcome with a feeling of hopelessness, or hopefulness. We mustn't put all our hope in any person; our hope should be in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I know what you're thinking ~ “But what if laws are passed that I don't agree with? What if Supreme Court Justices are selected that will rule in favor of evil and wickedness?”
Well, the Bible gives us several examples of how to deal with “rulers”. For example take Daniel, who as a young man, was taken captive by the Babylonians and was forced to serve on King Nebuchadnezzar's court. He wasn't alone, he had three companions; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
During his life, Daniel served under kings Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. All during that time, Daniel was faithful to the Lord. He used his skills and abilities to be useful, and as a result he was honored and respected. Did he and his friends always obey the King's laws and decrees? No!
The first problem they confronted was being expected to eat the King's meat and drink the King's wine, which had been offered to idols. They refused and proved to their “caretaker” that they could thrive on vegetables and water.
Then, King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue of himself, and ordered everyone, at the sound of a trumpet, to bow down and worship it. Daniel, must have been away from Babylon at the time, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused, and were thrown into a fiery furnace (from which, God rescued them).
Later on, under King Darius' reign, the king's counselors advised him to make a decree that anyone worshiping any other God than the King (for the next 30 days), should be thrown into the lion's den. It was Daniel's practice to pray from his window three times a day, and of course these “counselors” caught him in the act, and told the king. The king had no choice at that point, but to enforce the law he had signed, and so he had Daniel thrown into a den of lions (but God saved him from the lions).
Daniel, and his three friends used their wisdom, knowledge, and skills to the best of their ability. They obeyed the king's decrees as long as they did not conflict with God's laws. Daniel summed up his viewpoint like this:
Daniel 2:20-23 “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might”
As I've said many times, I don't believe things happen “by chance”. Our Great God is in control, and we are here for His purpose. Remember, we were never promised a “rose garden”, BUT, we are told:
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal”.
So, regardless of the outcome of this election, hold on to God's promises; such as:
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”.
Isn't it great how the Bible gives us instructions for any circumstance? For instance, “what are we to do”?? As Paul told the Thessalonians (who were suffering persecution):
1 Thessalonians 5:16-23 “Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works”.
Remember, we have a “hope that is within us”, and God's word to support and sustain us, and we are aware that our Redemption is drawing near. So, put your hope and trust in the Lord, do His will, let your light shine, and He will take care of the rest.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”.
God Bless,