One of the most difficult lessons to learn in life is that God is sovereign: He is above all those who are above us; He is even above those who want to harm us. He limits the power and authority of all government, business and religious leaders in the world. So, my brother, my sister, while you may feel as though you are free to do what pleases you, God is still sovereign over all of your plans and desires. Now let’s look at the character of Nebuchadnezzar who was one of the world’s leaders of his time to better understand this.
First of all, Nebuchadnezzar thought that he could get more cooperation from the people he conquered by letting them keep their gods!, Indeed, after taking their lands, robbing their riches, he started controlling their lives too and he allowed the people to worship idols and sometimes he too worship them. His plans were working very well, until one day, he decided to conquer the little nation of Judah. My friend, not everyone is to be touched, even by the enemy!
Yes, God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to continue with his plans over Judah. Yet, he did not know that all he was doing was in God’s plan: “everything works for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28). Nebuchadnezzar had always been able to rule the others gods. But this time he met a different God who dared to claim that He had made him all that he was. Now my friend, you will understand why God keeps telling not to worry: so far, God had allowed Nebuchadnezzar many victories and even to deport the best young Jewish leaders that he made his palace servants… but among them was a young man named Daniel, who was going to change his life. Yes, my friend, the enemy can try all people, but when he reaches you, He will meet your God! God also allowed him to attempt to kill three of his servants to teach him that he did not really have power over life and death. Yet, the Lord warned him of the dangers in his pride, then He also allowed him to live through seven years of insanity before restoring him to the throne. All in all God was showing Nebuchadnezzar that He was actually the one in control of everything he was doing.
My friend, our lesson from this story is that when our attention shifts to our own lives, we will find ourselves unable to see how God is working in us and through us. Even our enemies might think they are doing us wrong, but if we look at things with God’s eyes, things will not seem too difficult to bear. You see, the Lord provided us with His Word as our guide for everyday’s challenges. And this Word teaches us to obey and trust Him. My friend, trusting God covers those times when we are not sure about the outcome of our situations. The truth is that God trusts us everyday with so many things, but we are the ones letting Him down by lacking to trust the fact that He is in control and He knows what He is doing for His purposes to be fulfilled in our lives. Let’s therefore learn not to focus on everyday’s problems… but to set our eyes on Christ who can show us the way to victory. My friend, God has entrusted you with this day, what can you do to show Him you are trusting Him for everything that happens to you? The truth is that, unless you stop looking at the details that are sometimes painful (unpaid bills, blocked situations, lack of love, sickness, people annoying you, etc…) you will never be able to see the greater perspective of the purposes of God in your life. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.