Who's In Charge Here?

Heb 1:8-9 ESV

8 But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

Why does God allow suffering? 

There is so much wickedness and evil in this world. There seems to be no justice, whether it’s a person or a government that performs the atrocity. The pain that we cause one another is harsh. The world is speeding up, and every good thing seems to be falling down. So we ask these questions like, “Where are you God? Why have you let us down? Where is justice? Why didn’t you help us?” I’M ANGRY! “This is your fault.” 

…

We condemn God for letting horrible things happen as if we aren’t living in a broken world…a world awaiting redemption. (Romans 8:18-23) We blind ourselves to the reality that we are living in a world filled with sinful peoplewho do sinful acts. We forget that he has already paid the price and died on a cross for us. (John 3:16) We let the troubles of the day define our position in this world, instead of holding on to his promises and focusing in on who God is. 

He is in charge. 

He hates wickedness and evil. Suffering, wars, and persecution are not unique to our time. He keeps all things together and he provides a way for his people and even humanity. We are blessed in a world decaying from humanity’s sin. We were never promised fair. Nothing about Jesus on a cross is fair. He sees us and knows our pain. He is closer to my own pain than even myself. He is the answer to our suffering. We are clearly told that we will endure suffering in this world but to be courageous because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) Just because we as humanity fail, or even we, as Christians fail to live up to God’s standard, doesn’t make God less than who he is. Suffering doesn’t mean he isn’t there. 

He is God. His kingdom will reign forever. Everything else will pass away. His kingdom is righteous. 

Take a moment. No, take a while. Bring your brokenness, disappointments, and fear to Jesus in whatever way you know how to. Who does the bible say that Jesus is? Remember that he is King over everything. He is in control. 

Romans 8:18-23 ESV

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 16:33 ESV

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

- Natalie