Wisdom
God Is in Control — and That’s Terrifying
Fear can destroy or it can give birth to life
As Christians, we often use phrases like “God is in control” to comfort ourselves in worrisome times. And indeed, the thought of the God who loves us reigning over all Creation is a comforting truth.
But we must always remember that God, in full control, gives us a choice:
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy 30:19–20, BSB)
God is in control. He gives us a choice, and it’s a genuine choice.
That means there are genuine consequences — good consequences for choosing life, and terrible consequences for choosing death.
Ancient Israel received this choice before they entered the Promised Land. As a nation, they chose life for a while, then hardened their hearts to the ways of God. Thinking themselves wise and innovative, they became foolish and destructive, choosing death and calling it life. Despite prophet after prophet warning and pleading, they persisted in their rejection of God and His ways.
