You are NOT in Control

Yesterday, I was involved in a rear end collision. I was the one that hit the Toyota in front of me. By God’s grace, there were no injuries. Well, there were two – my Tacoma is probably lost to the pile of parts and more. And the second injury is my wits.

It was dark. It was wet. It was early morning and I was coming off a night shift. Lots of other reasons, which don’t really matter. What I do realize is that in this world we are not in control. The brakes worked (just had them checked), there was ample distance to stop (had it not been wet), and other factors should have prevented this incident. But alas, it was not so. We can plan, strategize, organize, prepare, and more … but ultimately there are so many things we have no control over. Just look at the eastern United States right now as Florence bears down on the Carolina coast. We can do all we can, but that won’t stop the storm from hitting or the damage being done.

There is a world view that keeps my wits contained, even when they get scrambled like yesterday – it is the understanding that even though we can’t ultimately control outcomes or events, God does. The key word is Sovereign. He is sovereign. He is in control. And that is comforting.

When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head – CHSpurgeon

Nothing happens that God does not allow. As the great Shepherd, He provides and protects. He has promised His presence. And even in darkest valleys, He is with me. No purposes of His can be thwarted (Job 42.2). As Proverbs 16.33 states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

If life was all chance and all random, I would freak out on the chaos of it all. How could one ever find rest in the midst of life’s storms? But I can rest in Him. So when I lie down to sleep, it is these thoughts that bring me comfort, these thoughts that allow my mind to not be afraid, these thoughts drive out the anxiety. A great preacher put it this way, “When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.” Oh yes, I still struggle and worry and have frequent restless nights. But I am growing to trust Him more and more.

So ask yourself these questions …

1. Self, do you believe God is good?

2. Self, do you believe God is in control?

3. Then self, won’t you trust Him?

It helps me, and I hope it can help you.

todd

Tomorrow (probably) I will look at a parable/illustration that AW Tozer used in discussing sovereignty and free will. Join me.