God is in Control

We hear it from friends. We read it on social media. “God is in control!” I must admit that every time I see this it almost always means, “Sit back and let God take care of it.” For others it means God will punish those who attack us or intervene for us. What does God control?

At that time, as Jesus had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. And behold, a man from the crowd cried, “Teacher, I beg you to look upon my son, for he is my only child; and behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him till he foams, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” Jesus answered, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming the demon tore him and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astonished at the majesty of God.

Luke 9.37-43

In today’s reading we see one example of God’s control. There should be no doubt that God is in control of the spiritual world. The problem I have found with this reality is that most people seem to doubt the reality of evil demons and their influence on humanity.

We spend more effort waiting for God to stop our enemies from harming us, we forget the demons are on our doorstep waiting for us to let our guard down. But still God waits for us to come to Him, just as the father came to Christ in today’s reading.

Ok, so we know God controls the spiritual world. What else does God control? Here’s what God does NOT control. God does not control the actions of human beings. It isn’t that God can’t control us. He chooses to grant us free will and that means we control ourselves.

If you are waiting for God to ‘stop’ your enemies from hurting you, chances are you will get hurt again. Other human beings are not demons, although they may be influenced by demons. You must take action to avoid getting hurt. Walk away. Be aware of those around you. Be vigilant.

Instead of waiting for God to ‘take action’ against the things that hurt us, let God ‘take control’ of your heart. Live like God wants you to live. Speak like God wants you to speak. Love like God wants you to love. Control yourself as God wants you to control yourself.