Remember, God is in Control

By Jared Green

    Sadly, in our country’s current climate, politics seem to sow more seeds of division than unity. As we are nearing this year’s presidential election, it seems that our country is more divided than ever, and with that division comes feelings of worry for Christians. It is not di icult to see the direction that our society is headed, and it is easy to fear the future, wondering: What will it look like to be faithful in an increasingly faithless society? Christians need never fear, however, because of Christ’s firm victory over sin and death. As this election season comes to an end, and as we all ponder our lives and faithfulness in the future, I would like to humbly o er us some biblical reminders.

    First, remember that God is sovereign. I have no doubt that Satan uses the sin and division all around us to distract us from God’s sovereignty. May we be reminded, however, of Daniel’s message to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. As Daniel interpreted the first of Nebuchadnezzar’s two dreams, he said to the king, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21). Why the reminder of God’s sovereignty? Because Daniel was about to prophesy the coming of a kingdom infinitely greater than Babylon. In interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel told him, “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:41). Daniel reminded Nebuchadnezzar of God’s sovereignty to make clear that, no matter what Nebuchadnezzar did, God’s sovereignty would ensure the coming of Christ’s kingdom. The message? God is in control and his will shall be done, no matter what humans attempt to stand in the way. May we rest in the hope of God’s sovereignty.

    Second, follow God’s Word when seeking faithfulness in a faithless world. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul teaches a three-part lesson we should all heed today, especially over these next few weeks. I encourage you to pause and read Paul’s words. First, he calls us to pray for our leaders (vv. 1-2a). Second, he calls us to lead a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v. 2b). Third, he reminds us of God’s ultimate will: for “all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (vv. 3-4). Taking Paul’s call to heart, may we never be a fear -based people who sow seeds of division. Instead, may we always be a praying people who seek to do God’s will and spread the gospel. Take heart: God is sovereign, and in the end, we will experience the final victory. God loves you, and so do I.

- Jared Green preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com