God is in Control

 We live in a world that seems out of​​ control. ​​ No matter how powerful words or knowledge or position may be, man is unable to direct his cause. ​​ We see this​​ evidence​​ all over the world. ​​ The year 2020 has proven to be devastating in areas of health, natural resources, the economy, violence, and fear. ​​ Our nation is now entering into the additional uncertainty of a presidential election which is forecast to lead to​​ civil​​ unrest no matter the result. ​​ People are confused and angry. ​​ So how do we respond? ​​ What can we do? ​​​​ We use the inerrant word given to us from God rather than​​ relying upon​​ the​​ wisdom​​ of men.

 First, focus on the truth that we know – man is out of​​ control;​​ however,​​ the world is under Divine control. ​​ Nothing​​ takes place​​ without the knowledge and allowance of God. ​​ 

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is [like] channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs​​ 5:21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD,​​ and He watches all his paths.

Jeremiah 16:17 "For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes.

Jeremiah 32:17-19 'Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee, who showest lovingkindness to thousands, but repayest the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The LORD of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

Second, there is one certain solution for each of us –​​ 

  • Personally​​ respond to God’s grace given, declaring Christ as​​ your eternal King.​​ 

  • Choose​​ to live in obedience to His commands, and​​ 

  • Seek the peace that comes from knowing God is in complete control. ​​ 

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

Psalm​​ 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.

Romans​​ 14:19 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Third, recognize that nothing will happen or has happened without His perfect knowledge and plan. ​​ Our understanding of His plan is not required. ​​ However,​​ we are to​​ accept His sovereignty​​ over the earth. ​​ This response brings peace in the midst of an unsettled heart and nation.

Deuteronomy 4:39 "Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

Psalm​​ 93:1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

Finally, there is much we can do after we respond in faith through God’s grace to His perfect plan.​​ 

  • Be a light in darkness.​​ Have empathy and compassion for the​​ lost.

  • Share the hope you have​​ in Christ​​ to those who will listen. ​​ 

  • Pray for God’s intervention and mercy in a world that does not seek Him or recognize Him as King.

  • Live in peace with all men as far as you are able. ​​ Put self last and Christ first in all your interactions.​​ 

2Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

Ephesians​​ 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment,] that it may give grace to those who hear.

Colossians​​ 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, [as it were,] with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.

God knows all, God understands perfectly, and God has a plan which will lead to His glory in His time. ​​ God loves you and sent His Son to pay the price for your sin. Because of​​ this,​​ confusion and​​ anger will not be your response. ​​ Instead, peace will reside in your heart​​ no matter what may come. ​​​​ ​​ 

1Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.