To The Journal editor:

A meditation by television Pastor Charles Stanley on Oct. 31 is relevant to our responses to Tuesday’s presidential election:

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” — Ephesians 3:20-21

Let the words from this scripture slowly sink in: “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians. 3:20).

What an amazing description of the Lord’s ability to work within us. Yet so often our focus is mainly on what we want Him to do, namely, that if He’d change this or fix that, then our life would be better. But He invites us to think and ask bigger–He wants to change us!

“The Holy Spirit has more than enough power to transform lives from the inside out, but change within is usually a slow process. Spiritual fruit takes time to grow and mature. That’s why we need patience and faith to believe God is working even when results aren’t evident.

“God has a purpose for everylife, and He is constantly working to achieve it. In order to do this, He may have to bring us through some struggles and heartaches. It might make no sense to us, but God knows exactly what He’s doing.”

Regardless of which candidate won the presidency, as you read the scriptures, look for qualities that God considers precious, and ask Him to work them out in the incoming President’s life and administration. And your own.

Then rely on His wonderful promise to do even more than you have asked or imagined.