Where is Malaysian Airlines flight MH370? Will Russian President Vladimir Putin order the take over of all Ukraine? Will the health care debate be resolved? Will things stabilize in the Middle East?
The world has once again stumbled into uncertainty. The 24/7 news media is all abuzz with speculation and differing scenarios from expert and not so expert pundits. How does God fit it into all of this?
Well, he does much more than fit it in. He is Lord of all of it.
Paul says that in Christ: “…all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17
Christ rules and he is firmly in control. Nothing is uncertain with him.
Think back with me to the most uncertain day in all of human history. Think about Saturday, the day after the crucifixion. That day was different. The trial, the crowds, the drama of Christ upon the cross was a fresh, painful memory. Jesus, the hope of all was dead, laid in a tomb. No one knew what would happen next. The disciples are solemn, perhaps even despondent. Talk about uncertainty!
The twelve and those close to them had spent three years with the most powerful person in all of human history. Try as they might they could not anticipate his next move or deed. Now, his striking, comforting presence was gone. It appeared their hopes and dreams had vanished before their eyes.
The Roman leaders were most likely relieved that this whole mess was behind them. But there was the Centurion who knew that a great wrong had been done. And, of course, there was Pilate, perhaps still washing his hands, still haunted by his face-to-face encounter with the Lord of the universe.
Next were the Jewish leaders. All of their planning and treachery that brought them success culminating in the death of Christ left them uneasy and filled with apprehension. They urged Pilate to seal the tomb and place a guard in front of it to thwart any attempt to steal the body away. They had what they wanted but they knew something was not right.
Most likely, sleep did not come to many that Saturday night. They thought things were over; what would happen to them now. The unspoken question still hung heavily in the air. What would Sunday bring?
You and I are tempted to live as if uncertainty is all that we will ever know. We dwell on what does this mean and what will happen next. Those are questions to which only God knows the answers. What we do know is that we can trust our God in the midst of perceived uncertainty. He will bring about what he has planned to do for his glory and our good!
He is indeed a refuge strong and sure.
6 thoughts on “Uncertainty & God’s control: A missing plane, an ambitious Russian & more”
sometimes i need reminded!!!! i know its wrong so i need to put my belief and trust in the lord
Encouraging article…. it is very comforting to be reminded that while unbelievably devastating and painful World events are always hhappening Christ is ultimately in control. And there is a new world to come soon! Also the bible verse about how Satan is the ruler of THIS earthly world NOW which is why everything is so messed up, but CHRIST is the ultimate ruler of the WORLD TO COME puts it into perspective. God loves us, the saved are His children and does care for the world. The end is coming and our pain will be healed. Thank you!!!
Thank you for the reminder and the encouragement. 🙂 I try not to worry, but in this media saturated world it can be hard to not feel surrounded!
Hymns help me when I start to feel in despair about the future of our country and the world. For instance, “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!” Or “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Even when I find it difficult to pray, these songs come to the surface and I am comforted at the same time I am praising Him! Thanks for the encouraging reminder, Jay.
John 16:33: 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” PTL!!!
I believe that if I didn’t have troubles in this world, I wouldn’t anticipate eternity with our Lord as I do now. If there was only peace at all times, we would possibly be troubled at the thought of death. But He has victoriously overcome…Halleluja.
Thanks so much, Jay. I always get Saving Our Future emails, and often read the blogs that they link to, but never comment. This whole week I have been awaken out of sleep by our 5th child (5 months) and then as I am feeding her, I am overcome with fear. I pray and pray to the Lord and He reminds me of passages in His word. Your article was very encouraging. And it is just good to know, I am not the only one out there feeling the “fear” at times. Sunnyblues – loved the advice of singing hymns. They are filled with such truth, churches need to sing them more. I want to learn and teach my children, O God, our Help in Ages Past.
Thanks so much!!! The Lord bless you all!