God the creator of all things, is in charge of all things and controls all things
'Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?.....Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ''Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?" Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.'
Job 38v1-5; 42v1-3 (NIV)
As the COVID-19 pandemic takes a grip on the world and on our lives, we begin to ask: Why did God let this happen? or Why doesn't God make it stop? Whether we believe in God or not, sooner or later we will ask the question. Well God has answered, perhaps not as we want, but he does answer. Job was a man who suffered the loss of family, wealth and a debilitating skin disease. He too asked God why? God's response is both Humbling and Comforting.
First, God is in charge of the world. God had patiently listened to Job's questions and now God responds with a series of his own questions: 'Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Who marked off its dimensions? Who stretched a measuring line across it?' God is the creator of the world and he alone is in charge of the world. Who am I to question the Creator of all things as if I know all things? I am not God and neither are you. We should not pretend to know the ways and wisdom of God. We may live as if we are in charge, but we need to remember that this is God's world. That's humbling.
Second, God is in control of my life. Job has time to reflect on God's answer and comes to realise that he is neither in charge of the world nor in control of his life: 'I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.' We may question God's ways, but God's plans and purposes can never be stopped or derailed: 'Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.' Coronavirus may control and consume us, but it does not take God by surprise. God is not perplexed, trying to figure out some kind of solution. God is in charge of the world he made and he controls us. We may feel like our lives are out of control, but we need to remember that: 'no purpose of God can be thwarted.' That's comforting.
Prayer
Thank you Father, that you are the one and only true God, who has absolute supremacy and complete authority over this world and my life. Forgive me for the times I try to rule my own life and control my own destiny. While I do not understand everything you do or permit, please help me to trust that your ways are always loving, good and best for us.