Isn’t it amazing how easily our focus can get tainted by worldly activities? Even when we know better, satan can still get us caught up in his web of deception. Christ-followers…we’re his target, and his sole purpose is to take our focus off of God and His Truth and redirect it to worldly circumstances. He is the father of lies, the master manipulator, and he knows exactly what buttons to push because we were in his domain before we were drawn to the domain of light.
In this crazy world in which we are living today, change happens at break-neck speed. Your challenge is to discern from the barrage of new information what is rooted in truth or rooted in lies. The next step is to decide, “What can I believe?” and “Who can I trust?”. This scenario is taxing, frustrating and it can suck the joy right out of our hearts…if we let it. Our only defense against the world’s insanity is to stay rooted in the truth of God’s Word, and that truth is: Our God is a sovereign God, and He is still on the throne. As crazy as this world might look right now, His divine plan is still playing out.
Let’s start by looking at the definition of ‘Sovereign? It is defined as having supreme authority, control and power over all that has happened, is happening or will happen in the future. Therefore, since God Jehovah is THE Sovereign God, He has the right, the authority and the power to govern all that has happened, is happening, and will happen according to His divine will throughout all eternity. These few verses substantiate that truth:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was empty, formless and clothed in darkness, but the Spirit of God was hovering over the darkness. And God said, ‘Let there be light!’ And there was light.” (Genesis 1-2);
“Lord, through all generations You have been our dwelling place. Before the mountains were created, before You made the earth and the world, You are God without beginning or end.” (Psalm 90:1-2);
“How great is our Lord. His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!” (Psalm 147:5);
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘Humanly speaking it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible!” (Matthew 19:26);
“Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through Him and for Him. He existed before everything else began, and He holds all creation together.” (Colossians 1:16-17);
Knowing these truths provide a Scriptural foundation on which we can stand when the world starts closing in on us. Listening to the news, or any preponderance of negativity CERTAINLY ZAPS OUR HOPE AND OUR JOY, so let’s look at Romans 8:28: “In ALL things, God works for the good for those who love Him and are called to His good purpose”. Does it say in some things, or many things, or does it say in “ALL” things? Does it say only in good times, or does it mean in ALL times?
Jonathan Cahn, author of the Harbinger, reminds us of God’s hand in the founding of our great nation. “But what does America have to do with ancient Israel” you ask? Israel was unique among nations in that it was conceived and dedicated at its founding for the purposes of God. Those who laid America’s foundations saw it as a new Israel, an Israel of the New World. And as with ancient Israel, they saw it in covenant with God, meaning its rise or fall would be dependent on its relationship with God. If America followed His ways, it would become the most blessed, prosperous, and powerful nation on earth.
From the very beginning they foretold it, and what they foretold did come true. America did rise to heights no other nation, other than ancient Israel, ever experienced. Not that it was ever without fault or sin, but it did aspire to fulfill its callings. ‘What calling?’ you ask. To be a vessel of redemption, an instrument of God’s purposes, a light to the world. It would give refuge to the world’s poor and needy, and hope to its oppressed. It would stand against tyranny. It would fight, more than once, against the dark movements of the modern world that threaten to engulf the earth.”
As Cahn so poetically portrays, God’s hand and blessings have certainly been on America. But to whom much is given, much is expected. America certainly did rise to greatness and prosperity, but with those blessings often comes an unwarranted sense of complacency. Whenever that happens within a culture, it provides an opportunity for evil to rear its ugly head. And just as in previous cultures, that evil opportunity is cloaked in greed, and a desire for power, wealth and control. I have written about this on numerous occasions, and previously referred to it as the “Liberal Progressive Agenda”. Today that same philosophy defines the Democrat Socialist party. Their objective is to dismantle our current country and reshape it in a socialistic fashion where the government becomes our god and our provider.
So why should we not become anxious, doubtful or fearful about what we see taking place in our country right now? Because God has a divine plan that is playing out right before our eyes, and regardless of how difficult it is for us to see that plan, or even believe that such a plan exists, again let us take refuge in the truth of God’s Word. Genesis 50 provides this victory proclamation: At the age of 17, Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Twenty plus years later, he met his brothers again when they came to Egypt to get food for their families. His victory statement to them was: “What you intended for evil, God used for good.” That is a recurring theme in the Bible and it reflects God’s loving nature. Our challenge is to trust that He is still in control, regardless of our circumstances or our feelings. The Truth is, “No weapon formed against Him will prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)
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May God bless you abundantly,
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
Love this great article. Could be read every morning for a better day.