God Is In Control: All Things Work Out For The Good

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Here we are 6 days into the new year of 2021 and history has already been made like never before. Today, President Trump vowed never to concede to a stolen election due to manipulated results by swing states. Through our screens, we’ve all witnessed how Trump supporters stormed and occupied the capital for the first time in history.  Ultimately, forcing Representatives to evacuate and stop the electoral process. 

McConnell and a number of the GOP have given up on Trump and while Democrats are celebrating taking control over the U.S. House, Senate, and White house. The worst nightmare amongst Republicans is a reality and Conservatives are angry with both the Democrats and their own leaders in the Republican party who refused to step up. Americans no longer trust the U.S. Government are left feeling helpless and desperate. 

This election, like much of the last year 2020, surely has been a rollercoaster. What’s going to happen next? Will Biden really take office as our new President? I hope not! I still hold out hope that Trump somehow is duly elected for a second term.

With that being said, a close and dear friend of mine asked me, “Do you see a positive end to this?”

Though her question was referring to the Presidential election debacle – it really made me think deeper about everything that has transpired.

The last year of 2020 has been full of unfortunate events where the whole world has flipped upside-down. And not only is it “Topsy-Turvey,” but we now live in a world where people – who can’t tell the difference between right and wrong – ironically condemn those who are standing up against injustice. It’s a crazy world… unrecognizable.

In short, I told my friend that yes, that not only do I see a positive end but that I personally believe that all things work out for good despite the circumstances.

At least in my experience, I’ve seen how no matter how dark things get, the light surely comes. Despite my doubts, circumstances will change, and we don’t really have a choice in the matter.

And I say that because somehow we often lose ourselves to madness when we can’t control the circumstances of the world. What we don’t realize is that we have as much control of life as we do control the rotation of the earth. 

Can you tell the sun when to rise? Can you push away a hurricane with your bare hands? Can you keep the ground from breaking apart during an earthquake? Can you blow away a forest fire?

There are forces that are just beyond you, and you are entirely powerless to stop them. As I always tell my wife, you can’t control what others can do, but you can control what you do. In this case, you can’t control every aspect of this world.

Yes, bad things happen. Terrible things. Some people do nothing but plot and commit atrocities. And there is an evil force that is destructive and rooted hatred in people’s hearts.

By yourself, you don’t have the power nor the ability to eliminate all that is wrong. But just like a destructive hurricane or a storm, they eventually will fade away, despite you.

This, too, will pass and ultimately paves the way for good things to come. That’s just the cycle of life; all these things, whether light or darkness, work out for something perfectly good.

(Watch this video for a little encouragement: War With Woes Wins Wonders)

I firmly believe that there is a God, the creator of this world, who is the One orchestrating all these events for a grand purpose.

So, am I saying that since God is in control, there is not a point to do anything against evil and injustice? No, that’s not what I’m saying; do what’s within your reach and ability. You can’t stop a hurricane, but you can build a shelter. You can’t stop an earthquake, but you can run for cover. You can’t prevent a forest fire that has already started, but you can put it out!

You can’t eliminate or control the forces of evil, but you can stand up for what is right and do what is right. Being individually responsible is the first step to changing the world because while you can’t force others to do right, you can do it first yourself. 

At times, I can’t help but be worried and slowly driven to fear because of all these maddening circumstances, but this hidden peace reminds me there is One who is in control of it all.

That comforts me because whether good or bad, it will all work out in the end. In the book of Matthew, Jesus Christ says, “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Luke 12:28)

So if you find yourself in the same spot, do your best not to worry. It may not necessarily work out the way we may want it to, but it does, again despite us.

Yes, these may be dark days. Yes, Democrats might be in control and do terrible things. However, there is a purpose behind it. A good one and all things have there time and place. Good things cannot come unless the old is done away with. Be thankful for all things whether good or bad, because in the end what He does is good.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11

In the end who and what can stop God’s plans and His unwavering love? There is a whole chapter that speaks of how nothing can stop the love of God found in Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:31-39) And if you can believe that, then what is there to be afraid of?

If the storm that destroyed the world Noah once lived in passed, then we know even this will pass. We have to patiently wait for the dove to return with the olive branch and have faith that all things will work out in the end.