God is in Control
Gary Waddell • iamnotashamed.com • 4/4/2020
Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
(1 Chronicles 29:11)
I have heard from several Christians (followers of Christ) recently (via phone, TV, emails, internet) who have been staying at home more due to the Cov-19 epidemic. We all somewhat are doing as we are told to do by the government (I have to go for I work for the Lord and have HIGHER Orders). However, as I listen to them, I am concerned with the terms and the quotes they are using regarding this 'sickness'. There are several that display an audible and visual fear in their voice and in their actions. Some of the terms I have heard is that “millions are going to die in the U.S.” and “30% are going to be infected here ‘at home’ in the U.S.". This is the same terminology that I have heard from ‘lost folks’ on many of the television networks. That is God's buisness, NOT ours. Please understand, I do not take this ‘virus thing’ lightly however: As Christians, we are to place our COMPLETE trust in Jesus Christ our Lord who has rescued us from this world – I am concerned for some.
We are NOT to fear what man (or disease) is going to do to us. // For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). All of us are called to be examples of strength (and a light) to this world and display that confidence that God is in control of everything. Without “lecturing” anyone, allow me to remind you of a few Bible verses about God’s power and control and our duties. The Bible has been given to us by God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2Tim 3:16). We know that there are many who claim Christ who do not belong to Him, but if we do belong to HIM, our job is to love God with all our heart soul and mind, love our neighbors as thyself (Matt 22:37-39), and 'tell 'em about Jesus'.
The Bible reminds us that we are soldiers of Christ (2 Tim 2:4) are not to be “worrywarts”. Jesus said: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matt 6:33-34).
The Bible tells us: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:25). Our Creator and Lord spoke the world into existence and we must trust Him with every fiber of our ‘being’. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:3). He knows exactly what is going on here on earth and in our lives. He knows our needs and even our thoughts. I think of this verse each time I see a herd of cattle on a hillside. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills (Ps 50:10) .
God reminds us – 'He created the light and the darkness' (a reminder, Jesus is God in the flesh). That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it (Isa 45:6-8).
Again: God makes peace and creates evil: I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things (Isa 45:7). Whether one wants to argue with God about this (dangerous), that’s up to them. It may be okay to question God about a situation in your life but not His authority. I will just take God at His word – the Bible. In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:10).
God will do what He pleases and therefore He does not need to get permission from us being we are His creations: But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased (Ps 115:3). He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him (Ps 22:8).
Remember again who He is: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (Col 1:17). Jesus Christ came to earth to save the lost (Luke 19:10). You and me. I will trust the Savior with all my heart and soul. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we all should do this. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Pro 3:5). I do not know who will live or who will die during this global sickness but I do know that GOD is in control. I will be cautious yet bold in the confidence that our GOD is in authority.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise,
but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Eph 5:15-17).
God is in Control! Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him!
Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas,
and every thing that moveth therein (Psa 69:34).
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If you are reading this, and are living in fear of this worldwide disease, in sickness, in loneliness, having health problems, of security, or anything else, there is One you can turn to right now by calling upon Him and turning your life over to Him by calling upon Him. That ONE is the One who saved the world from their sins and gave His life (Jesus) for all who receive Him (John 1:12), victory over sin. Also freedom from worry and troubles this world has to offer. Christ will give you joy and peace and the promise of eternal life with Him, while we are yet in this world. We will all spend eternity in one of two places. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Pet 3:9b) The world already owns you.
Confess, Receive, Turn and Follow. Choose life.
For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
(Rom 6:23).
Jesus is waiting:
Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
(Rom 10:13).
Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www . iamnotashamed.com • God bless and bless GOD