I hear that a lot. God is in control. It's usually said after some tragedy, big or small, has taken place. I think it's a bit of a strange thing to say at times like that. Tantamount to blaming God for the tragedy. Not just tantamount, but really and actually, if you take logic seriously. (Which some don't, I'm learning. )
So, what say you? Is God in control?
Not always. For example, Adam was in control of the garden, allowed the enemy to snooker him and we know the rest of the story. Usually, we're in control. Not always, but usually.
Not always. For example, Adam was in control of the garden, allowed the enemy to snooker him and we know the rest of the story. Usually, we're in control. Not always, but usually.
Thanks.
So we are not always in control? Can you give an example of when you were not in control of something, and by that I think you (and I) would mean that God took over and you couldn't do something or other, even if you tried? (Right? That's what "in control" means, isn't it?)
Reminds me of a story one of my past pastors loved to tell, about when he was striving to resist temptation to "be with" a girl who was, well, tempting him. He was in high school. Big-time football star (so he said). Well, wouldn't you know, he finally decided to yield to this temptation. He left his house, intent on finding this girl and, well, yielding to temptation. But, thank goodness, he had a praying mom! Yes, you can guess the rest of the story. But I'll tell you anyway: he couldn't find the girl! Temptation thwarted! Glowrayyyyy!
So, yeah. I guess some people aren't always in control.
(I may or may not need to mention that this particular pastor was very, very often known to, ummmm, stretch the truth. )
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
So we are not always in control? Can you give an example of when you were not in control of something, and by that I think you (and I) would mean that God took over and you couldn't do something or other, even if you tried? (Right? That's what "in control" means, isn't it?)
Reminds me of a story one of my past pastors loved to tell, about when he was striving to resist temptation to "be with" a girl who was, well, tempting him. He was in high school. Big-time football star (so he said). Well, wouldn't you know, he finally decided to yield to this temptation. He left his house, intent on finding this girl and, well, yielding to temptation. But, thank goodness, he had a praying mom! Yes, you can guess the rest of the story. But I'll tell you anyway: he couldn't find the girl! Temptation thwarted! Glowrayyyyy!
So, yeah. I guess some people aren't always in control.
(I may or may not need to mention that this particular pastor was very, very often known to, ummmm, stretch the truth. )
Well, sometimes you have preacher stories and then sometimes you have facts.
I have many instances over the years where I believe God intervened on my behalf but I can't think of a single instance where I felt forced to make a decision or act against my will, i.e., God was in control using me like a puppet.
God is Sovereign He as God has the right to intervene in the affairs of man. For a child of God all things work TOGETHER for good. It does not say all things are good but eventually the outcome will be for the benefit of the child of God. However Job 9:24 states the world is in the hands of the wicked. When Adam sinned he turned over the dominion of the earth to the Devil and he is the god of this world. When Jesus comes and judges the world then He will rule upon the earth and at the judgment the devil is cast into the lake of fire. But until then the wicked are in control of this earth.
Well, sometimes you have preacher stories and then sometimes you have facts.
I have many instances over the years where I believe God intervened on my behalf but I can't think of a single instance where I felt forced to make a decision or act against my will, i.e., God was in control using me like a puppet.
__________________
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 KJV
I don't think it's so much that God controls us, but more that we are to be led by his Spirit. When I pattern my life after the bible, my life is successful, when I live contrary to his precepts, I make regretable mistakes.
The more I live, the more I'm convinced that studying and following God's precepts is the best way to life my life. We choose who we serve and reap the consequences of our choices. And yes, sometimes we reap the consequences of the choices of others also.
Vesta Mangun often says that God does nothing but in answer to prayer, and if we will not pray, God will not act. And I believe we take back what Adam sold out to the devil by prayer and faith, for we are seated with Christ in heavenly places.
But even so, we are not destined to live a life free from suffering, free from death. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his children, for death means we are going home to be with the Lord.
I agree with Vesta Mangun that 'God does nothing but in answer to prayer' except for a few things like... creation, the incarnation, the church.
__________________
His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
Well, sometimes you have preacher stories and then sometimes you have facts.
Speaking of preacher stories....
I once heard about a preacher preach the scripture passage about the 99 sheep and one went astray. The shepherd left the 99 and went and found that one sheep. He then broke that one sheep's legs and brought it back around his shoulders saying he broke it's legs so that it will never leave the flock again.
__________________
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psalms 118:8)
I once heard about a preacher preach the scripture passage about the 99 sheep and one went astray. The shepherd left the 99 and went and found that one sheep. He then broke that one sheep's legs and brought it back around his shoulders saying he broke it's legs so that it will never leave the flock again.
Hey, whatever works.
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
)
)
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
Linear Mode
