Church
Devotion 5: Who’s in Charge?
Holly Boston
Our youngest, Carter, has autism. Every year as a student, we attended an IEP to discuss his progress and establish goals for the school year. When he was 13 years old, the conversation started with the typical questions: age, date, address, teachers’ names, and the name of our president. Carter responded with a resounding, “Barack Obama.” As we celebrated his correct response, he continued, “But my dad says.” Having no idea what he was going to say next, we quickly interrupted him and segued into a different topic. Later, Greg and I would discuss the importance of voicing our opinions out of his earshot.
From the time we are born, we experience different types of leadership – a parent, a teacher, and a supervisor. Also, if you have a saving relationship with Christ, you are under the leadership of Jesus. At some time or another, most if not all of us, have asked the question, “Who put him (her) in charge?” We have all questioned the decisions mandates of our leaders at some point. I will never forget when God had me read Ephesians 5:22, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” No conditions were given. It is just a straight-up command. What? I hope I am not alone when I admit that sometimes I question even His leadership.
Whenever you are struggling with understanding and following God, there are stories in the Bible that will remind you that you are in good company. Read the book of Habakkuk. It is a quick three chapters. Habakkuk was God’s chosen prophet to Judah. During that time, Habakkuk was grieved by the spiritual decay surrounding him in spite of his prayers and his commissioned message to the people.
When he sees the invasion of Judah by Babylon, the most wicked nation of the day, and God’s people being carried into captivity, he is confused and begins a question. Habakkuk 1:3 says, “Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong?”
Have you wondered the same thing, “Has God taken His eye off the ball?” Have you ever believed the lie that evil is winning? Have you ever questioned who He “allows” to win elections, who He elevates at your workplace, who He gives a teaching certificate, or who He gives children? Then the big question, “Is God really in control or has He turned a blind eye?” God answers Habakkuk and He answers you. Habakkuk 1:5 says, “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.”
Habakkuk needed to be reminded that God is fully in control, God’s thoughts and His ways do not often make sense, and He can use anyone or anything to bring about His purposes. Believer, we are in need of the same reminders.
Psalm 11:4 says, “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.” No matter who is in charge on Earth, they answer to the God of Heaven.
Isaiah 55:8 adds, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” God’s eternal decisions often are a mystery.
Paul adds in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”
God can use anyone. Do you remember Judas?
So once we wrap our mind around the truth that God does not just allow people to take positions but actually places them in authority (Romans 13:1), how are we expected to respond? I would consider myself to be a rule follower. I am obedient in my actions (mostly). My husband and I obey the laws of the land, comply with the expectations of our supervisors, and treat our parents with respect (mostly). However, Carter’s response that day revealed our rebellious hearts. We were teaching him disrespect with our careless words. Believer, we must remember that all authority, good and bad, comes from God (Romans 13:1) and they are sent for our good (Romans 13:4). To rebel publicly or privately is the equivalent to rebelling against God. We are called to live a godly life and according to 1 Timothy 2:1, this includes praying for our leaders. Believer, our leaders do not need our critical, condemning words but our humble request that God would provide them with wisdom, leading, and protection.
Suggested Scripture to pray are Ephesians 1:17-18 and Colossians 1:9.
Let us pray!