God's Hands or Men's

Most of us at some time have felt ourselves to be helpless and at the mercy of people who are “out to do us in.” We cry “Help!” and help doesn’t come. Has God forgotten us? Panic sets in, and we shiver and shake like captive animals. Our faith seems to be of no use anymore because these people have us where they want us and prayer seems a mockery.

Remember when Jesus was a captive, and at the mercy of the Judean procurator, Pilate? Pilate claimed that he had authority to release Jesus or to crucify Him, whichever he happened to choose. Was Jesus intimidated? He knew there was not a single second when He was not held secure in His Father’s hands. “You would have no authority at all over me…. If it had not been granted to you from above” (John 19:11).

We are always held by those same strong hands. Never mind, then, why power is granted to others to do you wrong ----that is God’s affair, not yours. Mind only the fact that they couldn’t possibly touch you if God didn’t permit it, and then trust Him. He will see you through.

The Music of His Promises by Elisabeth Elliot