Is God in Control?

On November 8, 2013, super typhoon Yolanda (international name "Haiyan") lashed its fury in the Philippines.   Tacloban City, Leyte being in the center of the storm’s eye was the most badly damaged. All structures were decimated. Thousands died in the storm surge.  Even though people had prepared

for the coming of the super typhoon, their efforts proved futile because they did not expect this kind of storm since this is the first time they experienced this kind of devastation.  People, in the hope that somehow they would be safe inside their homes, were flushed outside by the storm surge.

 

 Aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda

Homeless, hungry, injured, and no shelter of any kind.   Where is God?  Is He in control?  If He is, why did He allow such devastation?   Is this God’s way of punishing those who don’t obey Him?  How about the little children, the dedicated Christians?  Why are they among the victims?  These and other similar questions are in the minds of many people.

So, is God in control?  In the midst of this calamity, it would be difficult to say that He is.  But yes, He is.  He is very much in control.  In good times and in bad times, God is in control.  God is sovereign.  He allowed this to happen for a purpose.  With our finite minds, it is very difficult to understand it.  All we need to do is to submit to Him and bless His Name in whatever circumstances.  The Lord gives.  The Lord also takes away.  Blessed be His Name.  (Job 1:21)

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name