I recently read once again, someone’s affirmation that “God is in control.” It was apparently intended to bring reassurance in spite of what many consider to be deeply disturbing actions taking place in our nation. Especially in light of the overwhelming number of things going on in our world at this time, I like the reassurance of that notion.

I try to believe in the perseverance of good and courageous people. I do find comfort in being reminded that God is in control.

And yet… I remember that God was in control when Hitler took over Germany and much of Europe. God was in control when millions of his chosen people were imprisoned, tortured, and exterminated. God was in control when Germany turned from a shining beacon of culture and arts into a black hole of putrid hate and vile oppression.

God was in control when Idi Amin, Saddam Husein, Muammar Gaddafi, Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini, and every other cruel dictator in the history of the world came to power. God was in power when millions suffered and died.

God was in power when every president of this nation was elected, Democrat, Republican, Whig, Tory, whatever. According to scripture, every single one of them was the one God had chosen to be in power at that time.

Through it all, God’s people were blessed, afflicted, comforted, and tortured. Some overcame, some were welcomed into eternal rest. I know that these concerns are with this world and not with the things that are from above.

Regardless of what happens in this nation and the world, I know that “God is at work in all things for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” Even if this democracy succumbs to plutocracy, populism, oligarchy, anarchy, fascism, or some other bastardized blending of greed and power, pride and prejudice, God will still be at work for our good. Before, during, and after.

On the other hand, I also know that God disciplines those he loves, that he sometimes uses evil people to accomplish his plans, and that suffering builds perseverance and strengthens faith.

What if what is going on is intended to shake us to our very core? What if God is intending to remind us that those who tolerate evil bring destruction upon themselves? What if his plan is to teach us that all who rely upon wealth and earthly power will be shaken? What if he is planning some great testing that will reveal true faith and bring glory to his name?

Knowing that God was in power through both World Wars, indeed through all wars, knowing that he was in power through every famine, every pestilence, every calamity, every catastrophe, does not assure me that everything will be fine from a material point of view. It reminds me that “whether in this body or absent from this body, I will be with the Lord.”

God can be in power and allow it to happen here.

We cherish the fantasy that this country is God’s chosen rather than remember that he has called his people from every nation. I believe that eventually, whether in the courts of the world or at the judgment seat of Christ, all who oppress the poor, trample upon the weak, and indulge their own greed at the expense of decency, compassion, and kindness, will be punished for their sins. As will those who support such things, even if believing it is somehow for the greater good.

And, I remember, that reckoning will include both kings and peasants, knights and knaves, shamans and sharecroppers. And me.

And that is why I struggle each day not to get caught up in political controversy. I struggle to keep my heart set on “the things that are above” and to remind myself that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Though I prize earthly freedom and the privilege of democracy, those mean nothing compared to the liberty I have in Christ, the wealth stored up for me in heaven.

Peace to you all.