What can I do when things feel so out of control? Part 3

Henry J. Ellsworth, the commissioner of the U.S. Patent office, assured people that his resignation was really of no great concern. “Mankind,” he declared, “has already achieved all of which it is capable. There would be no more inventions requiring patents.” The year was 1844— before the steamboat, the telegraph cable under the ocean, the electric light, the telephone, and a host of other inventions that came along during the next half-century.^[1]

Throughout history, humans have consistently declared that certain things were impossible. The reason this happens is that as finite beings our vision can be quite limited. If it cannot fit into our brain we surrender to the idea that it must be impossible! God does not suffer from this dilemma. He is infinite and His vision sees all. So much so that when describing what eternity will be like Paul shares how God describes it in His Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 2:9 But just as it is written, “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

As we look at the third Truth concerning God’s sovereignty let’s remember our first two:

{1} Something’s are non-negotiable

This will give us comfort because we are not at the mercy of circumstances. God has ultimate control.

{2} God’s sovereignty is all-encompassing! 

This brings stability. There are no accidents! Everything that happens is either the direct will of God or the permissive will of God. If God does not allow it, it cannot happen.

We are looking at Jonah. I chose him because he is so much like all of us; a self-willed sinner that wants his way. So if God’s sovereignty applies to Jonah, we should realize it will also apply to us.

We find Jonah out in the middle of the ocean in a storm…how can he go to Nineveh now? Impossible, right?

Jonah 1:17 But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah 2:10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

{3} God’s sovereignty makes anything possible!

The last thought on Jonah’s mind was that Someone was sending him a new travel agent! The reason the world mocks this story is that this reality does not compute with a finite brain. However, for those that know God and understand His history, this is a Truth that brings Hope! Whenever we face impossible situations we need to bring to the front of our thoughts…Jonah…delivered from death and shown mercy by a sovereign God. Joseph…a slave imprisoned raised to second in command in the most powerful empire at that time. The red sea that was opened to allow Israel to escape her enemies and then was closed to swallow those enemies into eternity! Gideon and 300 men rushing into the camp of their enemy, which were as “numerous as locust” while holding a torch in one hand and a trumpet in the other hand. They defeated their enemy with their swords hanging on their belts!

The So What: Do not fear this virus, fear the One that controls it! Go to the Lord and ask for protection, be wise, wash your hands and then fold them and pray!

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^[1] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1096). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.