GOD IS IN CONTROL

GOD IS IN CONTROL – In Genesis 50:20 Joseph testifies to God’s sovereign control over every circumstance, declaring to his brothers –“And as for you, you meant evil against me, BUT GOD meant it for GOOD in order to (PURPOSE CLAUSE) bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Indeed, God is behind the scenes (the “seen”) and controls the scenes He is behind, not just in Joseph’s life beloved, but in ALL of our lives. In studying the book of Esther we see evil Haman cast lots (pur) which “just happens” to give the Jews 12 months to prepare to defend themselves for their appointed day of annihilation approved by King Xerxes (Cp Esther 3:7-note and Esther 3:13-note). Haman had not read the Proverb which says “The lot is cast into the lap, BUT (Term of Contrast) its every decision (How many?) is from the LORD (Jehovah).” (Pr 16:33)

Charles Haddon Spurgeon has an excellent, pithy, practical devotional on Proverbs 16:33 asking…

“If the disposal of the lot is the Lord’s, whose is the arrangement of our whole life? If the simple casting of a lot is guided by Him, how much more the events of our entire life—especially when we are told by our blessed Saviour: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered: not a sparrow falls to the ground without your Father.” (Mt 10:29, cf Lk 12:6-7) It would bring a holy calm over your mind, dear friend, if you were always to remember this. It would so relieve your mind from anxiety, that you would be the better able to walk in patience, quiet, and cheerfulness as a Christian should. When a man is anxious he cannot pray with faith; when he is troubled about the world, he cannot serve his Master, his thoughts are serving himself. If you would “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” (Mt 6:33-note) all things would then be added unto you. You are meddling with Christ’s business, and neglecting your own when you fret about your lot and circumstances. You have been trying “providing” work and forgetting that it is yours to obey. Be wise and attend to the OBEYING, and let Christ manage the PROVIDING. Come and survey your Father’s storehouse, and ask whether He will let you starve while He has laid up so great an abundance in His garner (granary-place of storage or safe keeping)? Look at His heart of mercy; see if that can ever prove unkind! Look at His inscrutable wisdom; see if that will ever be at fault. Above all, LOOK UP TO Jesus Christ your Intercessor, and ask yourself, while He pleads (Ro 8:34-note, Heb 7:25-note), can your Father deal ungraciously with you? If He remembers even sparrows, will he forget one of the least of His poor children? “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain thee. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Ps 55:22-note) (from Morning and Evening)

Now take a moment to listen to the words of the song by Twila Paris entitled God is in Control