Is God Really in Control?

Is God really in control? This is a question I frequently get asked as a pastor.

God created us with inquisitive minds, and there are many questions that the scriptures do not clearly answer. But this is not one of them. If by "in control" you mean, is God actively engaged in accomplishing His purposes, and are there any powers that could override God's will, the answer is a resounding, "Yes, God is actively engaged in accomplishing His purposes", and "No, there is no power that can frustrate or override God's will and purposes".

Daniel 4:35 says,

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (Dan 4:35)

Joseph had confidence that the evil that was done against him was turned around for the good by God for a divine purpose.

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Gen 50:20)

Romans 8:28 echoes this sentiment,

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(Rom 8:28)

The key here, however, is that God's purposes are redemptive, and that His interest lies heavily in the area of redeeming a people for His name, and empowering them to be fruitful and advance His kingdom purposes here on earth.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. (Mat 6:10)

who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Tit 2:14)

The Twila Paris song, "God is in Control" does a nice job of capturing some of this grand design when it says,

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
God is in control, oh God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan
Oh, but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
It will be true forever

He has never let you down
Why start to worry now?
He is still the Lord of all we see
And He is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.