"Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted”
(Job 42:1–2).
The idea that God governs and controls all things is sometimes questioned by Christians. But let’s consider the alternative. Shall we believe that God is not in control of all things? Is it possible for God to be surprised by something unexpected? If this were possible, what would happen to our security and assurance?
The modern secular world is committed to the idea that the universe is governed by impersonal natural laws that are simply manifestations of natural forces. Because these forces govern all things, and everything that comes to pass is ultimately caused by them, it follows that everything that happens is pre-determined. This makes life utterly meaningless. Some have objected against this view, which is called “determinism” or “fatalism,” and have offered the alternative of radical “indeterminism.” This view says that there are no laws except those my mind creates and pretends to be true. In reality the universe is sheer chaos. Everything is totally meaningless.
These two options are pretty grim for modern man, aren’t they? Either way, life is completely pointless.
As Christians we don’t believe that blind impersonal forces operate in this universe, having their way with us willy-nilly. Neither do we believe that we live in a universe that is completely open to random chaos. Rather, we believe that we live in a universe under the government of an infinite, personal, righteous, loving God, a God we call Father. There is not one maverick molecule running loose in this universe outside the control of our Father. We are confident that He runs all things well.
Meditate on the alternatives set out in today’s thought. Consider that if God is not in complete control of all things, then there must be something outside of God that could surprise Him. Are there areas in your life where you resist God’s sovereign control? Where in your life would you prefer God not be God? Why?
