It wasn’t but a few months ago that we were watching the world’s greatest athletes assemble in Sochi, Russia for the winter Olympics. There were concerns about safety, security, and possible terrorist attacks. Many U.S. politicians and media outlets were asking whether or not President Vladimir Putin had the capability to protect the athletes from “credible threats.” He and his country were on the stage and in the spotlight.
As the opening ceremonies began, we watched our televisions and were impressed by the pageantry and choreography of the Russian performers. As the opening ceremonies were coming to a close, we watched with excitement as the runners carrying the Olympic Torch made their way outside to the place where the Olympic Flame would be lit to signal that the games were officially opened.
Throughout the games, there were winners and losers. In some cases, the favorites won the gold medal. But that was not always the case. There were some upsets and some surprises. Perhaps the greatest surprise for many was that there were no terrorist attacks. There were some who dared to protest but they were few and didn’t receive much press coverage.
March 2014, one month later, President Putin is, once again, in the spotlight. It seems the Russian president has his eyes set on part, if not all, of the Ukraine. The Crimean Peninsula is now his and, at the writing of this article, Russian troops are beginning to assemble along the eastern border of Ukraine. How will this play out? “God only knows.”
Those three little words, “God only knows” should be very comforting, especially for the true believer in Jesus Christ. God knows because He is sovereign (a word not used or understood by many people today - even amongst those who attend church). Throughout Scripture we see the sovereignty of God being described. One example is found in Daniel 4:34-37. Here, we see Nebuchadnezzar declaring the sovereignty of God as he regains his sanity:
“But at the end of that period I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’ 36 At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
Though the world around us appears to be spinning even more out of control (economically, socially, and spiritually), hold fast believers! We serve a God who is still on His throne and who is still in charge of His creation. At the present time, He appears to be aligning the nations for His purposes and it’s all happening according to His timing.
Don’t panic. Don’t worry. Exercise that “faith muscle” and trust Him. His Word is true and He is faithful.
Believers should be eagerly awaiting the return of King Jesus when He will descend from heaven and retrieve His bride, the Church (1 Thess. 4:16-18). What a glorious day that will be! Halleluiah! Come quickly Lord Jesus.
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Dr. Gary Dromi currently resides in Springdale, AR. He has been in full-time ministry for over thirteen years. He holds a B.A., M.A. and a D.Min. in Biblical Studies. While on sabbatical, he completed his Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling and is now available for pulpit fill, seminars and a full-time pastoral position. He can be reached at: provrbs3_5_6@att.net
As the opening ceremonies began, we watched our televisions and were impressed by the pageantry and choreography of the Russian performers. As the opening ceremonies were coming to a close, we watched with excitement as the runners carrying the Olympic Torch made their way outside to the place where the Olympic Flame would be lit to signal that the games were officially opened.
Throughout the games, there were winners and losers. In some cases, the favorites won the gold medal. But that was not always the case. There were some upsets and some surprises. Perhaps the greatest surprise for many was that there were no terrorist attacks. There were some who dared to protest but they were few and didn’t receive much press coverage.
March 2014, one month later, President Putin is, once again, in the spotlight. It seems the Russian president has his eyes set on part, if not all, of the Ukraine. The Crimean Peninsula is now his and, at the writing of this article, Russian troops are beginning to assemble along the eastern border of Ukraine. How will this play out? “God only knows.”
Those three little words, “God only knows” should be very comforting, especially for the true believer in Jesus Christ. God knows because He is sovereign (a word not used or understood by many people today - even amongst those who attend church). Throughout Scripture we see the sovereignty of God being described. One example is found in Daniel 4:34-37. Here, we see Nebuchadnezzar declaring the sovereignty of God as he regains his sanity:
“But at the end of that period I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’ 36 At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
Though the world around us appears to be spinning even more out of control (economically, socially, and spiritually), hold fast believers! We serve a God who is still on His throne and who is still in charge of His creation. At the present time, He appears to be aligning the nations for His purposes and it’s all happening according to His timing.
Don’t panic. Don’t worry. Exercise that “faith muscle” and trust Him. His Word is true and He is faithful.
Believers should be eagerly awaiting the return of King Jesus when He will descend from heaven and retrieve His bride, the Church (1 Thess. 4:16-18). What a glorious day that will be! Halleluiah! Come quickly Lord Jesus.
--
Dr. Gary Dromi currently resides in Springdale, AR. He has been in full-time ministry for over thirteen years. He holds a B.A., M.A. and a D.Min. in Biblical Studies. While on sabbatical, he completed his Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling and is now available for pulpit fill, seminars and a full-time pastoral position. He can be reached at: provrbs3_5_6@att.net
