I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:10
The drumbeat of war has been heard throughout the planet as different countries have engaged one another in military conflict. From Ukraine to Ethiopia, countless innocent people have died senselessly. At the same time, other countries have threatened to use nuclear weapons and hastened the destruction of the planet.
Here in the U.S., we are going through a midterm election that has further polarized the country. The fear of civil war has increased, and many are lamenting the divisiveness between people of different races and political ideologies. In addition, the ongoing mass shootings in this country continue to create panic causing many people to live in fear.
Yet, believers should not forget that God is still in charge. This is the message in today’s text. The Lord is sovereign in all His ways, and his purposes cannot be hindered. It will stand from everlasting to everlasting. God declares how things are going to turn out before they happen. He knows the plans He has for His creation. The Lord has the sovereign authority to do as He pleases.
Despite the chaos in the world, in this country, and in our lives, we can be confident that God is still in charge. Earthly rulers and decision-makers may give the impression they are in charge, but it is God who has the final say on what happens in the world. In Proverbs 19:21, we are reminded, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Ultimately, God’s purpose will prevail in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Yemen, America, and the rest of the world. Let’s not forget the world has been in chaos since the fall of Adam and Eve. Many empires and emperors of old terrorized the planet at the height of their dominance. Yet they are now forgotten by many, and their influence is only reflected in the history books.
The Lord may have given the earth as our dominion (Psalm 115:16), but He is still in charge. Human beings may have the ability to kill and destroy, but that does not mean God will not hold us accountable for our actions. Despite our best efforts and scientific advancements, human beings have not been able to control the forces of nature. Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, tsunamis, cyclones, wildfires, and pandemics are all controlled by God. These natural disasters can quickly and effectively neutralize any human endeavor or destroy any human invention. Therefore, James 4:10 tells us to humble ourselves before the Lord.
Notwithstanding the best efforts of the pharmaceutical industry and governments around the world, the Covid pandemic is still wreaking havoc and destroying lives around the world. The Covid virus has been mutating so rapidly that we are getting new variants faster than we can plan for. Therefore, we remain vulnerable to the symptoms of the virus and unable to eradicate it. Only God can see us through our battle with Covid. He alone can neutralize the effect of the virus and make our bodies resistant to it.
The main lesson I’ve learned from the covid pandemic is that God is the only one we can trust, and He alone is in charge. Therefore, I’ve learned to surrender all my battles to the Lord and trust Him to deliver me from all my enemies. So, no matter how weak and helpless your circumstance may make you feel; and no matter how powerful your enemy may seem, know that God is still in charge. No one can resist Him. The Lord has no equal. His reign is from everlasting to everlasting. He cannot be defeated by any power or principality. Natural disasters cannot thwart His purpose. Therefore, you can trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him because He is still in charge.
Questions for Personal Reflection
What does it mean to you that God is still in charge?
How can the certainty of God’s sovereignty help you face your daily challenges?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, it is so comforting to know that you are still in charge in this world of pain and suffering. Please remind me of sovereignty when I am troubled and overwhelmed by the vicissitudes of life. May those who are suffering from terminal diseases or facing an existential crisis know that you are still in charge.