God is in control - we are not!

I note that, once again, the news is dominated by the effects of this virus that appears to be sweeping across the UK, and indeed, the world.   The whole country seems to be in the grip of fear as the death toll mounts - (but still only a very small fraction of the total population).

As I listen to news reports I'm tending to wonder what is worse - the illness itself, or the panic and mass hysteria that accompanies it.  It is my view that the reason for this state of extreme anxiety (that's putting it mildly!) is that people are beginning to realise, perhaps for the first time in their lives, that they are not masters of their own destiny.  We are not in control - God is.  He is in charge, He calls the shots, He ordains everything that comes to pass.  The Bible states that God "works all things after the counsel of His own will" - Ephesians 1 v 11.

This fact of God's sovereign control over everything that comes to pass is a great comfort to believers in Christ.  We know that, whatever happens, we are kept by His power and this gives us an enormous sense of peace, at a time when millions of people are undergoing the stress that comes with an increasing feeling of helplessness.  As Jesus put it "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you....Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" - John 14 v 27.  The unsaved do not have the privilege of taking on  board this truth.

In the light of the above I find myself feeling deeply sorry for the people who do not know the Lord.  They are like people caught in a river with a strong current, being swept along not knowing where they are going, or what will happen to them.  Perhaps it may be that, being in this state, they will recognise their need of Christ, and that He will be pleased to draw them to repentance and faith in Him as their personal Saviour and Lord.

In the meantime, let us, who know the Lord, keep our confidence in Him remembering the words of Psalm 91 v 4-7 "He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.  A thousand shall fall by thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."