Is God In Control?

Is God In Control?                                                                         September 8, 2024

The rapidity with which major events happen in today’s world and the quickness with which information is conveyed to us is truly amazing.  Though the details are sometimes inaccurate or misleading, our need to place our trust in the Lord becomes crystal clear.  God is our only trust and He is in control to work all things for good to those who truly love Him (Romans 8:28).

Is God really in control of world events?  Yes.  Is He responsible for the actions of sinful men?  No.  But, we can be assured that He does work providentially to bring about His ultimate purpose.  How can we know this is true?  Because the Bible tells us so.

In the days of the prophet, Daniel, the “wise men” of Babylon were threatened with death unless they could both reveal the contents and interpret the meaning of the king’s dream.  By revelation from God, Daniel was able to reveal the secrets of the king’s heart and save the lives of the king’s advisors.  In thanking God for the revelation he had received, Daniel prayed, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.  And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings…” (Daniel 2:20-21).  It is God who changes the times and the epochs – who removes and establishes kings.  In other words, God is in control of human history.

Those in positions of authority today have a sacred trust from the Lord.  There “is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1).  Paul goes on to say that those who resist authority are opposing the ordinance of God.  The only time we are obligated to violate the laws of the land is when those laws are contrary to the will of God.  In such cases, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  Governing authorities are God’s servants for good, a responsibility which must be taken seriously.  Otherwise, if they prove unfaithful to their trust, God will in His time, remove them from power.  The rulers of the kingdoms of the world are accountable to the great King of the universe.

When things appear to be spinning out of control, remember God’s overruling providence.  As the psalmist said, “we will not fear, though the earth should change, and … the mountains slip into the heart of the sea” (Psalms 46:1-2).  Place yourself into the hands of the living God.  He is in control of the universe.  Why not give Him control of your life?

-Glen Elliott-