God Is Still In Control

Introduction

This week we have witnessed a gruesome end to a young lady’s life and it has deeply affected many people.

We have heard ethical, emotional, psychological, legal, and political responses. It’s time for a spiritual response.

Something that will encourage, comfort, and remind us that God is still here and still in control.

This is a Reminder!

Evil men are waxing worse and worse

Evil seems to know no bounds

While we may see these acts and assign blame to various individuals, I hope we see that this is ultimately the work of one we can’t see; the wicked one.

Is God still around?

There’s a prophet that can identify with what is going on right now, his name is Habakkuk

Habakkuk

He is faced with the sinfulness of the nation (sin, injustice, godlessness, indifference) rebellion)

He is faced with God’s seemingly disinterest (He knows God is a God of justice but he can’t see it. He knows God is a God of righteousness but he can’t see it)

He fails to understand God’s solution Hab 1:13

He cries to a God that doesn’t seem to be listening (Hab 1:2)

He highlights to God all the ills he is witnessing Hab 1:3-4. Does this sound familiar?

Divine anger responds to the main problem: sin.

Human anger must not consume us to the point we fail to see that God is still in control.

Do not mistake God’s silence for tolerance! Hab 1:5

God is aware of everything

Ps. 121:3 “He neither slumbers nor sleeps”

Zech 1:10 “These were sent to patrol the earth”

With God, you may get by but you will not get away. If you do not believe that ask Pharaoh, Balaam, Achan, David, etc. Prov. 20:23 Injustice will not escape God’s attention.

We need to learn to deal with His silence.

How do I respond?

Remember to pray Hab 3:2

The more you pray the more you experience His peace Hab 3:16 “must wait quietly [settle down with a sigh]”

The more you start praying is the clear you see God

Remember that God is a conqueror Hab 3:8-11

Remember that God works on His timing Hab 3:17-19 - God’s answer may come the next day, or the next generation; I need to trust Him. HE IS IN CONTROL!

WARNING! Am I saying to “have faith” all will be well and that’s it? No!

Matt 10:16 “lambs in the midst of wolves” “be shrewd [act in one’s senses] but innocent” [lit. unmixed]

Acts 16:16-18 - if you can make help someone along life’s way, then your living will not be in vain