God is in Control (5 of 5)

[0:00] Welcome back. You've reached the message five, the final message in this short series. And kudos to you for hanging in there, especially if you've actually stayed focused and paid attention. For this last message, I want to read a couple of sections from Isaiah chapter 40 and 41.

[0:18] I'm going to read about two or three verses from each chapter, starting in Isaiah chapter 40, verses 28 to 31. Do you not know, have you not heard, the Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.

[0:37] He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

[0:49] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young people stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.

[1:01] They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. And then in chapter 41, verse 10. So do not fear, for I am with you.

[1:14] Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your hand and says to you, Do not fear.

[1:32] I will help you. Amen. One of the dynamics that arises in times of crisis is that we discover with clarity where we place our confidence and where we place our hope.

[1:46] It is in times like these that our true core values really show up. So question. How have you been thinking about the turmoil of the last couple of days?

[1:59] Have you been super stressed? Have you been somewhat stressed? Or have you been about the same stressed as usual? Have you been praying and reading your Bible more or less?

[2:11] Have you kept your eyes on the Lord? Or has your focus been dragged down to the news feed? Where you place your focus indicates and confirms where you truly place your hope.

[2:24] If you tend to rely on your own resourcefulness, then you are likely racing around, piling up paper products and non-perishables like there's no tomorrow.

[2:35] And placing your hope in those provisions. If, on the other hand, you're someone who relies on worldly leaders, then you're waiting for the government to give you hope.

[2:47] Hang in there. The bailouts and handouts are coming. But let me offer a third place to put your hope. The God that we read about in the Bible, that we've been talking about for this last few minutes, is a big, big God.

[3:01] God, He is and has always been fully, totally, completely in control of what goes on in this world.

[3:12] He is not up in heaven, wringing His hands, wondering what to do with this latest crisis. He is all-powerful and knows just what He's doing.

[3:23] Not only that, but He loves you and wants the best for you. So wash your hands, keep them away from your face. But once you've done that, put them together, bow your head, and put your hope and confidence back in the God who is bigger than you, and bigger than me, and bigger than all that you're dealing with.

[3:48] God bless and keep you in His care. Amen. Amen.