GOD CONTINUES TO CONTROL
The Biblical Word of God says: “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19; Psa. 47:8). However, because of so many adversities and disturbing things happening in the world around them, a lot of people have shown apprehension about God being in control. However, the Lord has demonstrated his power and control in the past. And he is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). From his throne, he reminds those who trust him: “Do not fear…for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 47:8).
PROBLEMS CAUSING SOME PEOPLE TO QUESTION GOD’S CONTROL
There are problems in people’s personal lives which cause some to doubt God’s control: Being confronted with crises such as a pandemic. Facing sicknesses and death. Loosing loved one and jobs. And dealing with stress and other kinds of problems.
They are also troubled by seeing a lot of wickedness going on in communities around the world. They see much of what the Bible has pointed to happening in the last days: “There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
THE BIBLE SHOWS GOD DELIVERING PEOPLE FROM DIFFICULTIES IN THE PAST
>>> The Lord God has demonstrated his power and control in the world in the past in many ways:
- God saved Noah and his family in an Ark, during a time when the whole world was wicked and disobedient to God. (Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:12-18). And he has extended salvation to the ungodly through the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
- God delivered his chosen people from a destroying plague, and bondage of Egypt (Hebrews 11:28-29; Exodus 12:12-13; Exodus 14:13-31).
- He moved upon the heart of king Cyrus of Persia, who was not a worshipper of God, to favor God’s people(Ezra 1:1-3; Proverbs 21:1).
- God touched the heart of the sinful King of Nineveh, so that he led his wicked people in praying and repenting that God would not destroy them (Jonah 3:6-10).
>>> God revealed his greatest loving power to the world through his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ:
- God changed his divine Son from the form of God to the form of man, in order for him to die to atone for the sins of the world (Philippians 2:4-8; John 1:1-4; John 3:16).
- God’s Son Jesus Christ demonstrated his powers over the natural and spiritual worlds: He went around doing good and healing all manner of diseases among the people; and all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him (Matthew 4:23; Acts 10:38).
- He calmed a stormy sea, and walked on water (Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 14:25-32).
- He did miraculous loving works which no one could do without the power of God (John 9:32-33; John 15:24).
- He fulfilled all written prophecies concerning God’s promised Messianic Savior, including his crucifixion and resurrection (Luke 24:36-49).
- Following Jesus’ example, disciples like Paul and Stephen were enabled by the Holy Spirit to overcome many types of adversities. They overcame poverty, hunger, being cold and naked, beaten and stoned, imprisoned, forsaken by brethren, persecuted, and even overcame the fear of death. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27; Acts 7:54-60).
GOD ASSURES US HE IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL
The Lord assures us he is in control today and forever, as he was yesterday (Hebrews !3:8).
Despite the troubles of the world and our personal aversities, the Word of God tells us he loves us, and with his almighty power he is able to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on him rather than our problems (Isaiah 26:3).
God may allow trials to come the way of those of us who trust him. But trials and tests are meant to strengthen our faith and make us more like Christ (1 Peter 5:10). Even when we fail, the Lord remains faithful and corrects us as our Father (Hebrews 12:6-11). He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28-29; Peter 4:12-13).
You should walk by faith in the Word of God that has demonstrated he is in control of everything, and not walk by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own sight or understanding. Trust that the Lord loves you enough to have died for you, and nothing can separate you from God. (Proverbs 3:5-6; John 10:28; Romans 8:38-30). Give all glory to God “who is able to keep you from falling away… And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” (Jude 1:24).
