by Alan Langstaff

This week, we saw history before our very eyes as Donald Trump was elected President of the United States of America. It is probably the “greatest comeback” in the history of American Presidential elections. In 2016, Donald Trump became President, and then in 2020, he lost his bid for a second term to Joe Biden. But then he came back to win the election of 2024. Truly, this was historic.

Now what can we learn from this moment in history?

GOD IN THE ELECTIONS

People will argue about this, but I believe that God was at work in the election process. Donald Trump himself “expressed his belief that divine intervention played a pivotal role in his historic election victory” (Christianity Report). As I have said in a previous Langstaff Letter “I have prayerfully thought about all this (i.e. assassination attempts) and I came to the conclusion that it was God who saved his life and consequently God must have some future purpose for him to fulfill” (Langstaff Letter September 19, 2024). We need to remember God is still in control.

TRUMP

One has to start with Trump himself. He has demonstrated incredible fortitude, perseverance, and courage that has enabled him to have one of the “greatest comebacks” in USA history.

When one considers all that he has been through, including the court trials and the opposition that he has endured, most people would not have been able to handle it. He is a fighter who never gives up and ended up winning a second four years as President.

Trump will have many major issues to handle – including the war in Ukraine, the wars in Israel, China, and Iran, to mention just a few.

HARRIS

Undoubtedly she and others will have time to consider her election bid and seek to understand what went wrong.

One of the first mistakes was to choose Governor Waltz to be her running mate. It was her choice and there were other more qualified candidates available including the Governor of Pennsylvania. One of the difficulties people faced was that they were not sure that they really knew who she was and what she really believed.

However one must recognize that Harris only had approximately 100 days for her election bid. She was known for her “word salads” and the use of a teleprompter. I myself feel that she improved in her speaking as time went on. She also did well in the only Presidential debate, but overall she was found lacking.

MAJOR SHIFT IN CULTURE

Trump won more votes than Harris in the popular vote, the first time the Republicans have won the popular vote for some 20 years. The nation is experiencing a major historic realignment. It was also to be seen that the support of famous people like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Bruce Springsteen did not have much influence.

It was obvious that the culture was turning away from Woke culture, and the like, and certainly not interested in socialism. They were more interested in the need for finances to put food on the table, pay their bills, or deal with issues like immigration and crime.

One has to realize that the election was very close and it remains that we are a very divided country. There is a great need for being more united and being willing to work together.

It also means that society has to rethink issues like – DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Identity), the place for media in society, etc.

LEGAL ISSUES

There are still many cases that are still before the courts concerning Trump.

Bill Barr, a one-time Attorney General has issued a call for the charges to be dropped. This is the best thing for Trump and also for the nation. Otherwise, these court cases will go on for years. The election means a number of things will not happen including the Democrats will not be able to eliminate the filibuster.

THE POLITICAL PARTIES

The Republican Party in Congress must take advantage of this moment and not waste having won the Presidency, the Senate, and probably the House of Representatives.

The Democrat Party will probably do some soul-searching and realize that cultural issues such as boys in girls’ locker rooms are not acceptable.

We need both parties to be strong and healthy for democracy to work effectively in America.

PRAYER

There is no doubt that there were many people praying about this Election. I know for myself I prayed more for this election than I ever prayed for other elections. One cannot deny the power of prayer which I believe was a real factor in this election. Churches and ministries held special prayer meetings and people were encouraged to pray for the election and America.

ONE LAST IMPORTANT CALL

Now that the election is almost over, a time that involved a great deal of prayer. The danger is to cease praying, thinking this has been done.

However, we need to continue to pray for

1) America. We have been through a traumatic and historic election and so we must keep praying for America.

2) Pray for Trump that God will give him great wisdom and that he be surrounded by wise counselors.

3) Pray against the enemy who is still interested in bringing this nation down.

In all this may there be a spirit of humility and a desire to seek America reunited and that God would pour out His Spirit upon His people.

Finally, we need to remember that “God is still in control.” This is His world and we must be ready for what the future holds for us. In all of this, I believe, we are moving into the days of the end times – the coming of Jesus.