The midterm results hit hard. Dutch Sheets is urging Christians to keep disappointment from taking command of their faith.
In his Nov. 5 “Give Him 15” message, Sheets acknowledged his frustration with an election outcome he described as a larger Democratic wave than he expected. Then he urged the praying church to hold its ground.
“While I am frustrated and disappointed by Tuesday’s outcome, my faith is in no way shaken,” Sheets said.
He had anticipated a difficult election. The scale of the losses still surprised him, particularly in Texas. Yet his assignment, he insisted, survived the results.
“I wanted to remind you, the praying church, that no results would change our assignment and shouldn’t shake our faith regarding the saving of America.”
No Prayer Wasted
Sheets has wrestled with political disappointment before. He recalled deep grief following previous elections and said those experiences taught him to persevere through setbacks.
Now he is pressing into the question that can haunt Christians after an outcome they prayed against: Did those prayers accomplish anything?
“Our prayers are not in vain. God is using them to accomplish what he needs even amid the fallout of these elections.”
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Sheets argued that God continues working through a process involving human choices, resistance and delays. He pointed to the Israelites’ wilderness journey as an example of decisions that prolonged hardship.
“Also remember because of his omniscience, wisdom, and power, God always uses the delays,” he said. “He has factored them in and knows how to use them.”
That confidence carries responsibility. Sheets challenged the idea that trusting God’s sovereignty excuses Christians from prayer or civic involvement. He pointed to Deuteronomy 30:19 and its call to choose life.
He remains convinced a third Great Awakening will bring the transformation America needs.
“Only the transformation of millions of hearts and minds through salvation would create the transforming change of thinking we need.”
Turn Disappointment Into Determination
In his closing prayer, Sheets put the election’s significance in perspective.
“Elections matter greatly. We’re not in denial and we care about the results. But they don’t determine our faith.”
He asked God to strengthen discouraged Christians and keep hope deferred from taking root.
“Give them strength to turn their disappointment into determination. Give them renewed vigor and zeal. Remind them that it is through faith and patience that we receive your promises.”
Scripture gives us solid ground when circumstances shake our confidence. Hebrews 12:28 points to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Philippians 4:6-7 directs us to bring our concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving, trusting His peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
God remains sovereign. We can bring Him our grief, open His Word and keep praying with confidence in His character.
Sheets closed with that resolve.
“We have determined to believe you regardless of what occurs around us,” he prayed. “We will not base our faith on an election but on your words and promises.”
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
