Tag: Romans 8:31

Who Has the Real Power?

Leave a comment

“…I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh’s arms… I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the Lord…”
Ezekiel 30:23-25; read Vv. 21-26

Do we really understand the sovereignty of God? Do we not understand that all powers are subject to God’s control? Do we not know that at any given moment, God can cause one nation to rise, and another to fall?

Ezekiel has been assigned many tasks by God. And one of those tasks was to make certain judgments against varying nations (Ezekiel 25-32), including, but not limited to, Egypt.

God has spoken to him about a great power switch. The one who thought they were strong, impenetrable, and would stand as a “superpower” forever, will be broken and fall.

This is a story that has recurred throughout history. Think of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2). In it, we see powerful nation after powerful nation eventually succumb to the prophecy spoken over it: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure” (Daniel 2:44-45).

Did you catch that last line? “The dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Everything that God has pronounced for or against a nation or people has come to pass already through the course of history, or is waiting for a future, final fulfillment.

Nations may boast of power, but God is the Supreme Ruler. Psalm 75:6-7 assures us, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Friends, sometimes life and circumstances can make us feel powerless. But when we truly understand the sovereignty and power of our God, we can understand better why Paul was able to say, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

God is our strong defense. He is like a mighty wall that stands between all opposition and us.

Yes, there are things that will come against us, but as Job’s story reminds us (Job 1), it must go through Him first. And even in that, we are assured that God remains in control and completely sovereign over all.

That is why the psalmist declared, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6). Mankind can have plans, but God has the final say.

It is His power that created the world we see and live in. He is the one who lifts nations and makes another fall. There is nothing in your life that is too hard or impossible for God.

He is the real power. God is sovereign King over all. Keep the faith!

“The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.” Psalm 99:1

“For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2

“All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” Isaiah 40:17

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

When God Turns It Around

Leave a comment

To appreciate a good turnaround story, you must first appreciate the history behind the story.  For the returning captives, their story is simple, and yet, not so simple.

In a short simple version: they sinned (repeatedly), ignored warnings (often), and as a result they went into captivity to serve their years of their disciplinary sentence.  After the allotted time, they were released to return home and rebuild.  Rebuild their homes, their lives, and their worship.  And so, it came to pass.

The not-so-simple version shows in detail many behind-the-scenes factors that came into play for them to get from point A to point B. 

One fascinating factor was Cyrus himself, who was prophesied by name some 100 years before as the one who would initiate this returning plan before they even went into captivity.  It was his decree, which he gave credit to God, for instructing and supporting the return. 

By and by, they faced setbacks, the authority of the kings was transferred, and enemies consistently interrupted the work, instigating trouble for the people to halt their rebuilding efforts (Ezra 4). 

Even the complacency of the once-captive people who were now experiencing freedom settled in until they were encouraged once again to get on with rebuilding (Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1).

And build they did, but of course, this progress once again incited trouble.  So, those who were set on discouraging the work appealed to the now, King Darius, to investigate this matter of rebuilding in hopes of stopping it again as before. 

But God used their unrighteous complaint to propel the work forward in a way quite unexpectantly to the people and enemies alike.  What the enemy meant for evil, God made something good out of it.  He performed a complete turnaround from the enemy’s expectations, as Darius’ response indicates:

“Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” – Ezra 6:6-12

When God does a turnaround, support can be found in unlikely places.  In this story, it was through a pagan king, and eventually, the very enemies that instigated the matter were forced into a position of giving assistance and help to the people.

The king’s command was set, and it would not be altered – they were to leave it alone.  Leave the people alone.  Leave the work alone.  Stop getting in the way and let the house of God be built.

The Bible reminds us, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.  The seasons of adversity, challenge, and change are never a season where God is taken off guard.  When the Lord is on our side, He, being the Sovereign Rule overall –  really think about this point, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? 

They may come.  They may form weapons.  They may hatch plans.  They may try to discourage your efforts.  Ultimately, it is God who will have the last say. 

Enemies can only go as far as He gives them permission (Job 1), and even then, they must stay in the confines of the limits the Lord places upon them.  And if He commands it, as we see in the story above, they could even be forced to further His work whether they like it or not. 

With God on our side, we are never a product of our circumstances.  Circumstances can only tally up so much in our lives, but when the Lord is ready to turn it around, it shall be turned and there is nothing that anyone, anywhere can do about it.

Friends, no matter how discouraging the journey may be toward your turnaround, be encouraged today in the God who is on your side.  Be encouraged that the times and seasons are at His command and disposal.  Be encouraged that whatever you face, this too shall pass because ultimately, our heavenly Father is in charge and when He turns it around, it will be turned around.  

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com.  Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.  Blessings to you.

Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.