Listen to this quote: “Satan, on his divine leash, cannot hurt us without God’s permission.”

Job 1

You know Job’s story. Him being tested/tried/ put through the

Fire’. He had everything and lost everything…

But, do you remember Paul’s affliction – 2 Cor 12 – “I must not be too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. So, a painful problem was given to me—an angel from Satan, sent to make me suffer, so that I would not think that I am better than anyone else. 8 I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. 9 But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.”

How about this…

Remember what Joseph said to his brothers? “As for you, you meant evil against me, but GOD meant it for good.” Gen 50

Did you See that – it DOESN’T say ‘God used it for good or turned it for good.

He ‘MEANT it for good.’

His brother had evil in mind.

God didn’t start halfway through – “oh I better clean this up.”

He had a purpose, a meaning from the beginning.

From the start He meant it for good!

There is real comfort here when evil men and Satan compound our suffering.

But in Christ we can say –You meant it for evil. BUT GOD meant it for Good.

Here’s the thing – Only God is sovereign – no one else – not us, not Satan.

Jesus expresses this – Matthew 10: 29 Easy to read – 29 “When birds are sold, two small birds cost only a penny. But not even one of those little birds can die without your Father knowing it. 30 God even knows how many hairs are on your head. 31 So don’t be afraid. You are worth more than a whole flock of birds.”

Not one sparrow falls but by God’s plan

Not one virus moves but by God’s plan

This is meticulous sovereignty.

What does Jesus say next – YOU are more valuable than many sparrows.

The hairs on your head are numbered – FEAR NOT!

Why NOT fear?

Because of God’s meticulous sovereignty – whether we live or die – serves His holiness, His goodness and wisdom.

See, In Christ we are not dispensable pawns.

We are His valued children

You and I are way more valuable than a sparrow.

This is what sustains us – God could stop this virus but doesn’t –

Okay, that means, He’s got this.

We can rest in that. He’s God and I’m not.

He will see to it that the bitter and the sweet work together for good.

So, today, take a big deep breath of relief.

Breathe easy. Rest for your mind.

God’s got this.

He’s got you right in the palm of His very strong and capable hands.