The Thursday Update

The world seems like it’s spinning out of control doesn’t it?  It’s hard to see many encouraging trends that help you think the future will be better any time soon.  That’s not the view of a select group, but from people all over the political, social, economic, and religious spectrum.  A recent Gallup poll reported that optimism for the future of our country is at an all-time low, lower than at any time since the polling began.  Only 49% of Americans were more optimistic than pessimistic about the future.  That’s a minority of people.  So many are wondering, “where are things headed?”  

They’re even wondering where God is in all of this. 

The answer is pretty simple.  He’s in the same place He has been— in full control.

God is in control of all things, at all times.  While the “god of this world system” (and all the chaos) is Satan, God always has been (and always will be) over him.  God has him on a leash, limiting where he can go and what he can do.  God either sends or allows all things that happen.  We’ll talk about God’s control of all things on Sunday as we continue our “God Is…” series.

But for now, if you want the most sure way to have an optimistic view of your personal future, then trust that God is in full control of everything!  All that we see is fitting into His perfect plan.  It may not make sense now, it may require a deeper understanding of God’s character, and it will always take faith to accept.  Yet God is using everything going on right now to accomplish His ultimate plan— which is to usher in His Kingdom led by the King of Kings Jesus Christ, and then to usher in the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 20-22).

This is my source of optimism.  I know God’s plan is perfect and will succeed.  I hope that as you see all that’s happening, that you won’t despair as much as you’ll find comfort in knowing that God is still in control.

Warmly,

Vince