God’s Control
In reading through the book of Daniel, it is obvious that Bible prophecy is unique. There is no other religious book on Earth that even remotely matches the exactness, accuracy and majesty of the Bible’s statements concerning history and God’s control over it. Prophecy is God’s mark on history to let mankind know that He is providentially working and carrying out His perfect will both in Heaven and on Earth. So we pray, Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
We must believe that God is in control of history and that sinful circumstances cannot undermine this fact. While it is evident that on the earth sin and its curse is present, it is also evident that it is contained, curtailed, and judged. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness (I John 5:19). One day yet future, God will destroy the earth and recreate it into an incredible place where no sin will ever abound again.
God is the ultimate ruler of history, regardless of how it might appear to some. No, I do not pretend to understand it all. Even the Apostle Paul did not fully understand. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out (Romans 11:33). His ways are both unsearchable and untraceable. The Apostle Paul said that he preached the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).
The devil, as the prince of the power of the air, has certain influence in our world among those who are in his kingdom of darkness (Ephesians 2:2). His kingdom would have no power whatsoever if sin was not present on the earth. His rulership over rebellious people is a judgment on their sin. Satan was deceived enough to think that Jesus could be placed under the dictates of the kingdom of darkness. The temptation in Matthew 4 proved that Satan had no power over Him. Indeed, he has certain power in our fallen world but it is limited by the power of God Who is still ultimately in control.
The Bible teaches that God governs the universe, not only an inanimate creation, but also the actions of all creatures, both men and animals. He is the Ruler of all things (1 Chronicles 29:12), the blessed and only Ruler (1 Timothy 6:15). He even cares for the little sparrows (Matthew 10:29). The Prophet Jeremiah asks, Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? (Lamentations 3:37). [He] is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes (Daniel 4:17).
No one can act outside of God’s sovereign will or against it. Centuries ago, St. Augustine said, “Nothing, therefore, happens unless the Omnipotent wills it to happen.” It is God’s desire that we trust what He is doing and allowing on earth. Jesus said, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me (John 14:1). He was saying in essence – “Trust Me!” We must also recognize that our understanding of evil in our world will never find a solution in this life. We know at this time two major points: 1) Satan is doing his work and 2) the curse of sin has polluted the entire earth (Romans 8:18-23). We may not understand it, yet as we trust God, we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day (II Corinthians 4:16b). And unlike those who do not know Christ, verse 18 reveals that we do not look on the things which are seen (the temporal things) but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We must live daily with eternity in view. Pray today for God to open your eyes to see how great God is, that He is the sovereign ruler of the universe. Thank Him for revealing Himself in His Word and for His great salvation. Choose today to live in obedience to His Word and in fellowship with Him. Ask for the assistance of His Holy Spirit in your life that you might please Him in all that you do today.
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.
Illustration “Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power (detail)” by Pietro da Cortona