I was signing books one day when a young man came forward and told me a story as I autographed his copy. “I put a gun to my chest and was going to kill myself,” he began. “For some reason, I turned on the television, and there you were, talking about suicide. After listening for a while, I knew the Lord was speaking to me, so I laid the gun down and gave my life to Jesus Christ.”
I have heard similar stories too many times to count—someone in despair turns on the TV or radio and hears a sermon speaking directly to his or her need. I don’t believe for one second that I’m responsible. Our all-powerful Lord intercedes in people’s lives. Sometimes He does this by leading them to turn on a program that can help. What’s more, only a God who can control all things could change a lost and scared young man into a willing and excited servant—exactly the kind of person standing in front of me that day at the book table.
The world talks about accidents, luck, and good fortune, but all of these terms imply that we are victims of circumstance. The truth is, our heavenly Father is sovereign; the entire world is under His full control. Anything that enters our life—whether it is a blessing or a trial—comes because the Lord allows it.
When we encounter evil, we often wonder why God doesn’t end it, because we know He can. But He has a purpose, and history has proven He produces good from even the ugliest of human tragedies.
Bible in One Year: Exodus 22-24
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