Name: Rochelle
Question: Is God in control of the world at this time? And if so please give documentation.
Answer: Thanks so much for the question Rochelle.
Yes, God is in control.
However, that can be hard to grasp when we look at our sin-filled world. In order to understand this subject, we must realize the difference between God being in control, and God controlling everything all the time.
For example, does God control the weather?
God can certainly control the weather, but God does not control the weather on a daily basis. God brought about torrential rains causing Noah’s Flood, but normal weather patterns come from water evaporating and falling back to earth in a natural cycle.
When we look at our world, we see sin everywhere.
Yet, God allows this, as it’s a distinct aspect of free will. We all have free will to follow Jesus Christ or not, (John 3:16). Our life decisions will determine if we live with God in Eternity.
Now, if God intervened at every moment in life, then He could not hold us accountable for our actions come Judgement Day.
All right, now let’s take a look at some Bible verses about God being in control.
God Controls Our Leaders
Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
We are talking about God, the ultimate power.
God is always in control, (Isaiah 14:24, 46:10).
Romans 13:1 even tells us,
“…there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”.
World rulers have been put into their positions of power by our Heavenly Father, (Psalms 75:7). They all serve a purpose which essentially is the fulfillment of God’s Plan. God appoints our leaders, even the wicked ones which He uses to turn us back to Him.
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Remember, while God is always in control, Satan is the god of this world, and we know “the whole world lieth in wickedness”, (2 Co 4:4, 1 Jo 5:19, Eph 2:2).
God Controls Satan
God certainly allows Satan to fulfill the negative portions of God’s Plan, (Ephesians 6:12).
For example, in Revelation 13 we read of a global government ran by the Antichrist during the Tribulation. This is also a part of God’s Plan, and God is in control of it.
However, Satan is only allowed to go so far.
Satan does not have absolute control over the world as God does.
A great example of this can be found in the book of Job.
Let us turn there for a moment.
Job 1:8-10
8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Satan is telling God, sure Job is a great man. You are protecting him, and You have blessed him immensely.
Never forget that, God can protect you and your family from Satan as well. If you live your life according to The Book, if you live your life God’s Way.
Job 1:12
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Notice, God has the power. God is in control.
However, God allowed Satan to have a little control here, but God drew a line in the sand. God told Satan not to place his hand on Job, meaning Satan was not allowed to kill Job.
Summary
This all proves, God is in control of everything, but that does not mean He micromanages the world either. As we learned, while Satan is the god of this world, he can only accomplish what God will allow.
God controls the hand of our enemies, controlling the Devil himself. That is why “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper”, (Isaiah 54:17). Never forget that, not even Satan can touch you if you have God’s protection, (Psalms 27:1).