God Of TomorrowSample

Who Is Really in Control?

While we might theologically believe that God is in control, that same belief may not have taken up residence in our hearts. Why? Too often, our fears take precedence over our trust in God. So how do we begin to move past our fears? What will it take for us to look beyond the instability of today and pessimism of tomorrow? That comes down to a choice we must make. You and I need to make the decision to either surrender to our fear or continually trust God. 

When you think of power, what comes to mind? Who or what are you assuming is going to be responsible for how tomorrow turns out? Politicians? Corporations? Advertisers? A foreign dictator? Or _______? (You fill in the blank.) 

Our view of what power is and who has it is a determining factor for how we live and think about society. It will dictate how we respond in difficult situations. The Gospels give us an example of this from the day when Jesus was crucified. Jesus stood on trial before Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman governor at that time. Pilate asked Jesus, “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered boldly, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (See John 19:10–11.)

In saying this, Jesus wasn’t proclaiming anything different from what the rest of Scripture tells us: God has all the power and calls the shots. Because God alone is divine and eternal, His will encompasses everything that has ever happened, is happening, or will happen. He could tell us in detail “the end from the beginning,” the past from the future, yesterday from tomorrow. Nothing surprises Him. Nothing is outside the scope of His might and control. 

Life seems chaotic? The world appears to be spinning out of control? A leader who stands for everything you disagree with was elected to office? Well, God is still unhindered and has complete jurisdiction over all things. He is molding the events in society to serve a purpose that’s greater than any one person, greater than any one society, greater than any one generation. Sooner or later, everyone will discover what Jesus spoke about to Pilate: true power comes from above. 

How does it change your perspective to remember that true power comes only from God?