A Bit of a Surprise

I sat down to enjoy a cup of #mojo at one of my favorite spots, Mozart’s on the Lake. It is one of the few incredibly peaceful places where you can actually be surrounded by UT students hectically studying for exams and yet, get caught up in the serenity of the water. Peaceful, indeed. I thought I was just minding my own business when suddenly, I was completely caught off guard. Apparently one of the birds overhead had too much to eat for dinner!

It is difficult to imagine…but did you know that nothing happens without God noticing?

There is nothing under the sun that takes Him by surprise. The good, the bad and the ugly are all under His watchful eye. I agree, sometimes it is difficult to see God working. At moments like these, we must trust that God is still there.

We often fail to realize God is still in control when our circumstances appear otherwise.

Although God permits evil to occur, He does not initiate it. Satan does. We see this exemplified in the life of Job. Satan had to first ask permission from God to inflict pain and suffering on Job and his family. In Job 1:21 we read, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Notice the choice of words. It does not say “The Lord gave, and Satan hath taken away.” No, God permits certain things to occur because He knows He is “working all things together for our good.” (Romans 8:28)

The sovereignty of God means He holds the power and the right to govern over all things.

God has the world in His hands and the ability to do whatever He wants. Afterall, He is God.

Even at times when we think we are the ones running the show, it is God who is ultimately calling the shots. We may attempt to steal God’s glory, taking credit for the work He has done. But let us be reminded, God deserves the glory. Not us. He is the one who holds the world in His hands (Isaiah 40:12), who called into existence the sun and the stars (Genesis 1:16), who sets up kings and deposes them (Daniel 2:21) and has numbered the days we each will live (Job 14:5). Why, God even knows what is on the tip of our tongue.

“Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?” Lamentations 3:37

Knowing God is in control is actually very comforting. I can rest and not grow weary because I don’t have to figure every little thing out. I can live life freely, not grasping too tightly to things that are outside of my control. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a mentor was this: Hang on loosely to things of this world. Hang on tight to God.

Clearly God was trying to get my attention tonight…maybe to redirect my eyes to Him. The birds must be at target practice. I’ve been hit twice now, so I gotta run!

“From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.” Isaiah 46:11