He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands
As a Bible believer, here are three words that should NOT be in your vocabulary: luck, coincidence, and fate. Replace them instead with the word providence, which means ‘to see in advance and to provide for’. The Westminster Confession of Faith, written in the 1600’s says: ‘God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence.’ That means God is in charge, not us!
But what about our human will? Can’t we act independently? Theologian Dr R.C. Sproul wrote, ‘God’s sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills.’ Look at Joseph. His brothers tried to destroy him, but instead their efforts put him on the throne of Egypt and fulfilled God’s will. Later he said, ‘You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.’ (Genesis 50:20 NASB)
Judas’ most heinous act of betrayal helped bring about the best thing that ever happened: Christ’s atonement for our sins on the cross. Are you confused because of the things going on around you? One reason is because we only utilise about 10% of our mental potential. Plus, Paul points out that now we only ‘know in part’ (see 1 Corinthians 13:9). When we get to Heaven God may explain it all—or not. Until then, trust Him. As you celebrate our Independence today rejoice, He’s got the whole world in His hands—including you!