Acts of God

Mother Nature has no idea how she interferes with our lives does she? Who would think that a volcano could cause so much headache and inconvenience? No one could imagine the personal situations that were experienced due to this unforeseen event. It is because of worldwide travel and news media capabilities that we are so aware of this act of God. Do we truly realize that we are not in control of things as we believe ourselves to be? It amazes me to think that volcanic dust can bring the world to a screeching halt. Acts of God in the way of natural disasters seem to be on the rise. The number of earthquakes, hurricanes and now we can add volcanoes to the list, are more a headline news item these days than ever before. So what is going on out there?

I am currently going through a Bible study of the gospel of John. Last week we studied the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus and learned that the sun quit shinning for the last three hours of Jesus' life while He carried our sin in His body. I assume that many people try to explain the darkness as an eclipse or some other natural event, but either case was a work of God. Whether it was something that we can somewhat understand or something that totally perplexes us, no matter...it was God! In fact there are so many stories in the Bible that scientists and theorists try to explain or chalk up to a naturally occurring episode: The parting of the Red (or Reed) Sea, the burning bush, the plagues of Egypt and the list goes on. If you spend enough time watching the History channel or Discovery you'll be filled with very plausible and fitting reasons as to how these things took place.

Before I was a believer in the Lord Jesus I used to watch these programs and liked the fact that there was some reasonable explanation for these Biblical stories. I am a science minded person and I appreciated the proposed evidence and theories that drew a conclusion. But now, as I grow in my love and faith in God and His Word, I have gained a new vision for the why's and how's of the sometimes seemingly impossible events. It really is quite simple. God is sovereign and in complete control of EVERYTHING!! Case closed. The Webster's definition of faith is; unquestioning belief specifically in God, complete trust or confidence, loyalty. God's definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1. God says faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. So with that in mind, we can look at the circumstances of life that are confusing and sometimes perplexing to us, and trust that God has it handled.

What circumstances in your life are causing you stress or frustration? Do you look at the situation that the world is in these days and get a little nervous or even frightened? Are you concerned for your loved ones and the future generations of our country? As difficult as it is at times to let go and to cast your cares on our Lord Jesus, it is ultimately what will bring you not only peace but the answers that you seek. Let go and let God! Amen?