God is in Control

Last night as I prayed before falling asleep, my heart and mind were drawn to the people of Japan.  I knew God was bringing these people in the midst of this disaster from the earthquake and tsunami to my mind.  I began to pray for them, asking God to meet each one right where they are at in that very moment.  And if they don’t know Him, through His Son, Jesus, may they come to know Him through terrible disaster. 

I can’t even imagine what they are going through.  The pictures and reports on the news almost take my breath away each time I watch.  But the thing they and we can all cling to is that God is still in control.  If nothing else, I’ve had that cemented in my mind this year through our study of the book of Isaiah in BSF.  Again and again, God, through Isaiah, tells us He’s in control and nothing happens without Him knowing it first.

Isaiah 46: 8-13 says:  8 “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. 12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. 13 I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.”

In verse 9, God lays it out in plain language for us, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.”  In verse 11, God, through Isaiah is referring to Cyrus of Persia who was used by God to free the Israelites from exile in Babylon.  Not just in this chapter, but all through the book of Isaiah, God’s sovereignty is clearly seen.  He was sovereign back then, as He is sovereign today.

Even though it looks as if the world may be spinning out of control, God is still in control.  That fact calms me.  I have nothing to fear.  I pray for the people of Japan.  May they know God in this way, and may they experience His love, peace, compassion and security today.  Will you pray for them as well?