Yesterday came with an anxiousness that I worked hard to smother with distractions and duties. It was a losing battle. I started by occasionally peeking at the headlines, then listened hungrily to the radio, and finally completely giving into an ongoing 24-hour cable news binge.

As I stood in line to vote, I’ve never felt so confident of my ballot, so sure of my decision. But I must admit, in my heart I was bracing for defeat, disappointment, and another four years of what we have had. I envisioned a dramatic shift in our country that America may never recover from. I was at peace — but was not entirely hopeful.

Trump brought 81 percent of white evangelicals, 58 percent of Protestants or Christians, and 52 percent of Catholics.

In the early morning hours of Election Day, I read from Ezekiel 18 and was reminded of God’s mercy, His judgment of sin, and His ongoing call for repentance with His promise of new life. I also read Psalm 106:43-48, which portrays God as powerful — a mighty deliverer who is gracious and kind.

And even after reading these passages in Scripture, praying over the election, our country, and our voters, and finally saying a prayer for Donald Trump, I still believed that Nov. 9 would be the beginning of a Hillary Clinton presidency. In my mind, a term of President Clinton would mean open borders, drastically higher taxes, a dismal economy, loss of security, and a liberal Supreme Court that would alter the landscape of America forever. Basically, I pictured the end of the world.

As the results rolled in Tuesday evening and states were called, the reality of a President Trump crashed down on the shocked faces of the media elite. I personally felt a great sense of relief. There was relief knowing I am not isolated in what I want for the future — relief that we have a chance to reset our course as a nation.

Related: A Trump Presidency: A Victory for the Unborn

According to The New York Times exit polls, Trump brought 81 percent of white evangelicals, 58 percent of Protestants or Christians, and 52 percent of Catholics. Fifty-six percent of voters who attend a religious service once a week or more voted for Donald Trump. He won the election with 279 electoral votes.

I am not alone. We are not alone, and together our voices have been heard. Dare I say it? Our prayers have been answered.

However, those same results that brought me personal relief and hope bruised others in defeat. Though many are confirmed in triumph, others wake up this morning disheartened in defeat.

There may be a great temptation to gloat, to insult, to revel in victory. But there is no time or need to waste energy on futile, unproductive feelings. Let’s get to work. We have been given an opportunity to improve, and we must not squander a moment on pettiness or pride. Instead, we must roll up our sleeves, hold our representatives accountable, and continue to pray for Donald Trump, who will carry the thrilling honor and weighty burden of commander-in-chief.

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Related: God Is Still on His Throne Post-Election

It sounds incredibly idealistic, but certainly more can be done with idealistic effort than with critical analysis or disgruntled commentary. We need to reach out to our neighbors and friends whose candidate lost the election or those who were uninspired to vote for ours. We need to help them see the future that we see, the vision we hope for.

God is sovereign. This election and its results have not caught Him by surprise. Whether a person is thrilled or devastated, this is part of God’s plan. Now We the People must embrace the responsibility and the shift in power. We must realize that change takes work — and we must be willing to work together.

Let’s thank God for His grace and mercy. Let’s commit to working with one another for the good of the country. And let’s commit to pray continuously for President Trump and the future of America.

Katie Nations is a wife of 15 years and a working mother of three young children. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.