It would be easy to say that today’s world is “going to the dogs,” out of control. When we read the paper and watch the news it is hard to imagine more chaos, more bad news being circulated. From wars in the Middle East to a “bird flu pandemic,” we hardly know where to turn to find a moment of rest and assurance. Whether it is drought or flood, tsunami or hurricane, anarchy or terrorism, the world in which we live appears to have found every way to keep us all in a state of confusion and anxiety.
Some will ask, “Where is God when we really need Him?” Others are saying that God is “in control.” We want to know what “in control” means and if it really is true.
In Psalm 66:7 we read:
“He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves.”
“But,” say some, “if He rules in this world, why is it in such a mess?” Thus, the question for our title, “Is God Really in Control?”
It may appear to be equivocation, but the real answer has to be “Yes” and “No.” Yes, God has ultimate control, but He does not put a chain around man’s neck and force him to do either the right thing or the wrong thing. God has the power to control all things, but He also has the power to allow man to “mess” things up.
Did God have the power to “control” man in Noah’s day? Of course He did! But man did not want to be controlled. Man wanted to do his “own thing,” and that he did. So – who was in control in Noah’s day?
Was God “in control” during the time of Abraham? Of course He was, but do you recall what scripture says about Abraham?
“The Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws,” Genesis 26:2-5.
Yes, God was in control in the days of Abraham, but there seems to be a contingency, an “if” situation there. Note the “Because” in that context. Jehovah said it was “Because Abraham obeyed my voice.” Blessings came upon His progeny, at least partly because of Abraham’s faithful life.
Was God in control in David’s life? Of course He was. However, God neither forced David to do the right thing nor the wrong thing, but allowed him freedom of will, and David was in “control” of that matter. That is how it is for you and for me. God is in control, but you and I make our own choices, shape our own eternal destiny.
Was God in control in Babylon when Daniel was tempted to violate His law? Of course He was. It is written that God has control over nations and rulers:
“The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will,” Daniel 4:25.
How does God, the “most high”, rule in the world today? Man has recently brought a new word to our vocabulary – micromanage. It took a new dictionary to find this definition: “...to manage by overseeing every tiny detail, every minute point of business.”
God is in control, and man is under His control, but God does not “micromanage” every detail of our lives. While every “detail” is of interest to Him, He has left us with the ability and the responsibility to make the right choices. Our responsibility to Him is to guide our lives by His Word, and consequences will follow, whether pleasant or otherwise.
Some wonder why God does not “micromanage,” why He does not make sure everything on earth goes just right, with no disappointments. I can’t answer for God, but common sense would seem to discern that God did not program “robots” that serve Him, love Him or worship Him.
Also, we must think of this point: Jesus has gone to “prepare a place” for us, John 14:1-3. He has also made it clear that this “place” is for those who love Him, those who “keep His commandments,” “follow in His steps” (1 John 5:3, 1 Peter 2:21). Why would God want those who hate Him, who reject Him, to be with Him throughout eternity? And why would they want to be with God?
Yes, God is in control, but He rules firmly yet gently. We can reject Him and His way. Many violate His way. Through His providential care, God loves us and provides for us. The rain falls on the “just and the unjust,” Matthew 5:45. Details of how His providence works are not revealed, but we know He keeps His promises.
He is in control, and that’s the way I like it. Some day all will understand the beauty of His love for us.
