I awoke praying for America today. If the candidate you vote for isn't elected, for whatever position in which they are running, is your hope and trust shattered? May it not be. God lifts leaders and lowers leaders - not men, media, or ourselves. 

"He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." - Daniel 2:21

We are to exercise the system He has put in place, which is the establishment of a free system with the privilege to vote. There is no need to fret, there is the need to trust and obey, for there truly is no other way, to have joy in your life.

"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

"Every person should obey the government in power. No government would exist if it hadn't been established by God. The governments which exist have been put in place by God." - Romans 13:1

It is the duty and responsibility of every American to vote. God is most certainly in control, but that does not mean we should do nothing to further His will. We are commanded to pray for our leaders. 

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all Godliness and holiness.This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." - I Timothy 2:1-4

In terms of politics and leadership, there is evidence in Scripture that God has been displeased with our choices of leadership at times. 

"They set up kings without my consent;
    they choose princes without my approval.
With their silver and gold
    they make idols for themselves
    to their own destruction." - Hosea 8:4

The evidence of sin’s grip on this world is everywhere. Much of the suffering on earth is because of godless leadership throughout the world.

“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
    I possess knowledge and discretion.
¹³ To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech." - Proverbs 8:12-13

Scripture gives us instructions to obey legitimate authority unless it contradicts the Lord’s commands. We ought to strive to choose leaders who will be themselves led by our Creator. 

"And now behold the king whom you have chosen, for whom you have asked; behold, the Lord has set a king over you. If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord, that he may send thunder and rain. And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for yourselves a king." So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain. "And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for yourselves a king." So Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.

And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.” And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.” - I Samuel 12:13-25 (personal note: I love this little Scripture Truth!)

Candidates or proposals that violate the Bible’s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported. 

"Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin condemns any people." - Proverbs 14:34

Vote as you are led through prayer and the study of both God’s Word, which provides wisdom and discernment, and the realities of the choices on the ballot.

And please remember, there are many in this world who are oppressed and persecuted. They suffer under governments they are powerless to change, and their governments desire to silence their voices. To stand up for what they believe they risk their own lives. In America, we have been blessed with the right to speak about and choose our leaders without fearing for ourselves or our families.