I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you. (Acts 18:10)
Sometimes life just seems to be a bit out of control. But in reality, it only feels that way because we are looking at the circumstances around us and not at the One behind it all, He who is in complete cosmic control.
Today’s passage records how God reminded Paul in a vision that He had everything under His complete cosmic control in the city of Corinth, and that Paul should continue serving His Lord. What was true for Paul 2000 years ago is true for us today. Read on and be encouraged!
The late Dr. R. C. Sproul is often quoted for something he told my class in seminary, something I have never forgotten and frequently repeat from the pulpit: “If there is one maverick molecule anywhere in the universe, you cannot trust God for anything!” Either God is in control of everything . . . or nothing. There is no middle ground. Think about it this way. If not even a bird falls to the ground apart from His will, then you, as a Christian believer who is made in the image of God and adopted as His beloved child, should find great comfort and encouragement in the fact that He is working all things for your good . . . even those things that don’t feel good!
If you remember the story of Job, you know that the devil needed God’s permission to test the faith of Job. Not only did Satan need permission, he could only do what God allowed him to do and nothing more. There is only one force in the universe that is omnipotent (that is, all powerful), and that force is God. Our God is in complete cosmic control of absolutely everything in the entire universe at every moment. Remember, the One who makes the devil himself flee at His Word is also in control of each and every one of Satan’s devilish agents.
So . . . if God is in control, what have we to fear? That is especially true when we are busily engaged in doing our duty. Anyone who stands in opposition to us is standing in opposition to Omnipotence, and they shall become like a bruised reed and as smoking flax (Matthew 12:19-20).
Is it not a great comfort to you today to know the cosmic control of your Christ over every aspect of your life? The One who laid down His life to have a personal relationship with you is controlling all things, sustaining all things, and ultimately making all things work together for your good and His glory. Nothing and no one can thwart God’s purposes for your life and for this world.
One final thought: There was a time when everything in Joseph’s life appeared to be absolutely out of control. His brothers hated him and sold him into slavery when he was about 17 years old. He did well in his captivity for a time, but then he was falsely accused of attempted rape and he languished in prison for years. Finally, at age 30, after interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, Joseph was elevated to the position of vice-regent over all Egypt. In that position of authority, God used Joseph to save the Israelites from starvation when seven years of famine hit. When we look back on those 13 years in the life of Joseph, we can we see how God controlled each event—even those events that other people intended for evil—and realize how God meant it all for Joseph’s ultimate good, as well as the good of a great many others.
I am convinced that we should frequently look at life backwards to see just how beautifully God has been orchestrating all the events in our lives. Knowing that God has cosmic control over everything allows us to rise above the circumstances in life and to focus on the One who directs them: our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 