What do the stars do?
Do the stars disappear when the blind look at the sky? Or do they simply fail to see what was there the whole time?
When a tree falls in a forest with no around to hear it, does it still make a crash?
These may seem like pretty simple questions but take a minute to think them through and answer them.
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Done? Good.
If the answers you came up with are “they fail to see” and “of course”, then you are in the majority of people. If your answers were different, take another minute to think.
The thing is, that even though the blind may not be able to see the stars, everyone else can. And a person may not be around to hear a tree fall in a forest but all the other trees and animals bear witness to it.
Is it not the same with God? We may not be able to see Him but all of creation bears witness to His existence. Romans 1:19-21 make this very clear.
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” - Romans 1:19-21 (ESV)
No one can plead ignorance of God’s existence. Not the blind man or the deaf man or the rich man or the poor man. I cannot. You cannot. Humanity cannot! Even the fact that you can breath bears witness to God’s existence. Look at creation and you shall see the Lord!
But God does more than just exist. He is alive, active and in control of all things. Job cries out in Job 1:21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (ESV)
Job sees the sovereignty of God even in the midst of his suffering. God’s sovereignty is absolute: nothing happens if He does no will it. Even Satan only has power because God allows Him to have it.
I know you have questions because I have them too. And I don’t have all the answers. Only God has them. But for now, put your questions aside and just reflect on how great our God is!
Not only does He exist but He is in control of all things. So what do we have to fear? If God is with us, who can stand against us? We no longer need to worry about tomorrow because we can depend on the Father in all things.
Praise be to the God who gives and takes away. He is worthy of all glory and honour. May His kingdom reign forever and ever.
Amen.