Here is what I know

Fear and discouragement hound many today. News headlines pound this duo past the eyes until it creeps into the deepest crevices of the soul.

The shift of what is right and wrong, legal and illegal in the nation and Northwest Arkansas has crashed upon society like a tsunami leaving some gasping and others cheering. Events in Iraq have reduced the Christian population living there for hundreds of years by 75 percent. The savagery of ISIS is a dark cloud threatening to engulf the world and stabs fear deep in the hearts of people everywhere.

Medical authorities around the globe watch Ebola and its spread with deep concern. It is a savage killer that any sane person dreads coming into contact with, even trained personnel in protective clothing.

People feel exposed and powerless. These political, moral, medical, and weather events fuel a growing despair. No amount of money, power, education, or social standing can assure immunity from tragedy.

Here is what I know.

God is in control. He won't lose the contest. God blows up a tempest in Psalm 107 and Jesus quiets the wind when His disciples wake Him in a panic as the sea nearly capsizes them. Centuries later the human race still struggles to accept what seems impossible and beyond reason; there is a God and He is in control of everything. The disciples' question remains on lips today, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"

God understands and sees things I cannot. He is not bound by the five dimensions. The Creator is in the present, past and future simultaneously. Although humans can never fully understand the great "I AM's" thoughts, they can gain great insight and knowledge of some of the things He will do through the written Word, today's prophets/preachers, and the Holy Spirit.

I am not alone, nor should I be afraid. Moses learned this truth through personal experience. The scepter of power was transformed in his hand to the staff of a shepherd. Instead of being surrounded by thousands currying his favor, he was surrounded in lonely hills with his sheep and scorpions. Moses labored to drive the point deep into the hearts of those who would choose to follow God when he said, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them [your enemies], for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

A father brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. After describing the on-going plight of his son cast into fire or water by the spirit trying to kill him, he begged Jesus, "Have mercy on us and help us, if you can." "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

William Barclay, in his commentary on this story says, "Most of us are cursed with a sense of the impossible, and that is precisely why miracles do not happen."

I know there is a God and I am not him. Consequently, I know miracles still happen just not on demand. I still puzzle over their type and frequency. Nevertheless, I know God loves me and will work on my behalf if I believe. You should to. It will change everything!

-- Dr. Randy Rowlan is pastor of First United Methodist Church. Comments are welcomed at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.