For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known.
(1 Corinthians 13:12)
Last Wednesday night our pastor was speaking on “killing sacred cows,” specifically, ideas that may sound good but don’t actually line up with God. Teed up for that sermon was “God is in control.” At first glance, it seems a truthful thing to say that God is in control. After all, if God created everything, set the universe in motion, and continues to oversee every aspect of it, doesn’t that mean he is omnipotent and, by extension, in control? Jesus also taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done,” so how could it be said that God is NOT in control?
The best answer I have is that, yes, God is fully the Creator, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, but he intentionally holds back some of his power so that we can partner with him in life. When God created the earth, he placed humans in charge: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground'” (Genesis 1:26 NIV). We are meant to “rule over” the earth’s creatures, not as tyrants, but as stewards of the earth and its resources.
Psalm 115:16 (NIV) states, “The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.” God chose us to work alongside him in caring for and fulfilling his purposes on earth. However, he also leaves room for us to make choices, allowing us to exercise our free will in how we live and steward the world.
As humans, we often face choices. God originally intended for the Israelites, newly freed from Egyptian slavery, to go directly to their Promised Land and settle there (Numbers 13-14). However, that generation chose not to trust God, and as a result, they wandered in the wilderness for forty years until they passed away, leaving a new generation ready to follow him.
Does this mean God wasn’t in control? No. It means God, in his love, allowed them the freedom to choose, and he chose not to force his will on them. After all, he gave them a clear choice between “life” and “death” and even told them which option to choose!
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NIV)
Unfortunately, not everyone chooses life. I firmly believe that God’s will is for everyone, everywhere, at all times, to be saved through Jesus Christ and spend eternity with him. If God were fully “in control” in the way we often think, no one would be able to choose any path other than this, and no one would spend eternity separated from him. Sadly, some people reject God’s will for their lives.
Our choices in response to God’s invitations have real consequences. We shouldn’t think of ourselves as marionettes with our lives controlled by a sovereign God pulling the strings. Rather, we should see ourselves as co-creators, made in God’s image, and co-laborers, called to partner with him in the work of the world. While God is the ultimate power in the universe, his people are meant to actively join with him and influence the world around us. As we give ourselves fully to his work, putting our hope in our living God, we can trust that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Omnipotent God,
Our hearts overflow with praise to you! Your glorious splendor and the miracles of your majesty are awe-inspiring, and your love is like a river that floods its banks, overflowing with kindness. You are the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of our lives, and your mercy lasts forever. Thank you for creating us in your image and giving us the responsibility to steward the earth and fulfill your purposes.
Help us to consistently choose the things of the Lord—the things that bring life—and to dedicate ourselves fully to the work you have called us to, knowing that work is never in vain. Protect us from becoming overwhelmed, too busy, or indifferent to the work you have for us. Living God, you are our hope and Savior; empower us to share your power, majesty, and grace with everyone we know.
We will worship you, Yahweh, and rejoice in your triumph. We will sing praises to your exalted name, O Most High. AMEN.
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 NIV)
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10 NIV)
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13 NIV)
My heart explodes with praise to you! Now and forever my heart bows in worship to you, my King and my God! Every day I will lift up my praise to your name with praises that will last throughout eternity. Lord, you are great and worthy of the highest praise! For there is no end to the discovery of the greatness that surrounds you. Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness and declare more of your glory. Your magnificent splendor and the miracles of your majesty are my constant meditation. Your awe-inspiring acts of power have everyone talking! (Psalm 147:1-6 TPT)
I will worship you, Yahweh, with extended hands as my whole heart erupts with praise! I will tell everyone everywhere about your wonderful works! I will be glad and shout in triumph. I will sing praise to your exalted name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1-2 TPT)
h/t Tim Cross 1-29-25