Stay the Course: Sanctifying Our Present and Future-No Matter What

Contributed by: Nellie O'Hara

We are living in a critical moment. There’s tension in the air. We have been in an election season, and like every election, it carries a collision of hope and fear, expectation and uncertainty. Many of us are praying. We’re standing. We’re believing for a good outcome—and rightly so. We should believe for that. We should have faith. We should engage, speak up, vote, and lead with conviction.

It is right to expect God to move powerfully. There’s nothing wrong with hoping and believing that righteousness will be established. In fact, we are called to be a people of expectation—calling heaven’s will down to earth.

But here’s what I want to speak into your heart today: No matter the outcome—whether it’s what we’re hoping for or not—we stay the course. We don’t give up. We don’t panic. We don’t disengage.

Why? Because the strength of our calling… the strength of our mission… is not based on who’s in office. It’s based on who is on the throne. And He—God alone—is still on the throne.

1. Anchored in Purpose, Not Outcome

Your purpose didn’t begin with this election, and it won’t end with it either. It was spoken over your life before any of this started.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11

That promise doesn’t change with a political shift. We must anchor ourselves to purpose—not outcomes—because outcomes change. Circumstances shift. Leaders rise and fall. But God’s calling on your life? That remains.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

That doesn’t mean everything feels good. But it does mean God can work through everything—even disappointment—for the good of those who are aligned with His purpose.

2. Pressing In—Even When It’s Hard

What if the outcomes in our lives don’t go the way we hoped? What if it brings delay, frustration, or even heartache? We press in. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

That’s a conditional promise. There is a harvest—but only if we don’t quit. Some victories are sudden. Others take years. And if we want to see lasting transformation—not just politically but spiritually and culturally—we must be prepared to stay faithful over time.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23

Faith isn’t tested when everything is going our way. It’s tested when we have every reason to quit—and we choose to keep going.

3. Faithfulness Shapes the Future

Let me remind you: The future isn’t shaped by the popular or the loud. It’s shaped by the faithful. History shifts because of people who refuse to stop showing up.

“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” — Psalm 1:3

Planted. Steady. Fruitful. That’s what faithfulness looks like. You may feel small in the grand scheme. But when you continue to pray, serve, give, and lead—especially when it’s hard—you’re becoming like that tree: rooted, immovable, unshaken.

“But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13

The victory is not just in the result—it’s in your consistency. In your perseverance.

Practical Encouragement: What It Looks Like to Stay the Course

• Keep showing up to your quiet time—even when you’re not “feeling it.”

• Keep encouraging others—even when you need encouragement yourself.

• Keep speaking truth in love—even when it costs you.

• Keep building, serving, and sowing—even when progress seems slow.

  
  

When you’re tempted to quit, go back to what God said—not what the world says.

Remind yourself: This isn’t just about today. This is about the next generation. About legacy. About faithfulness. And when your strength runs low, lean into the Spirit’s strength—not your own.

Closing

The storm may come. The winds may blow. The outcome may surprise us—for better or worse. Our job is to stay the course. Don’t shrink back. Don’t compromise. Don’t give up.

Because in due season—there will be a harvest.

Prayer

Father, we thank You that You are unshaken. You are not moved by elections, by politics, or the plans of man. You are steady, faithful, and good. Today, we ask You for courage—for strength to stay the course. Whether the breakthrough comes now or years from now, we trust You. Help us to be faithful in the small things. Help us to anchor ourselves in truth, in hope, and in purpose. Let our lives be a testimony—not just of belief, but of endurance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Contributed by: Nellie O'Hara