Brothers and Sisters,
I have a bit of a reputation for verbosity. Why say something once in 5 lines if you could say it 10 times in 5 pages? That's my motto! All kidding aside, I simply wanted to tell you one short thing in this brief note. God is in control! The Sovereignty of God is the biblical teaching that all things are under God's rule and control and that nothing happens without His direction or permission. Even what we are experiencing now. Scripture tells us this quite clearly.
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. (Proverbs 16:33)
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)
[God] works all things according to the counsel of his will. (Ephesians 1:11)
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. (Psalm 115:3)
I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)
Additionally, the Westminster Confession of Faith articulates this sovereignty as follows, "God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established." (Chapter 3.1, Of God’s Eternal Decree)
In other words, God is in control! I hope that encourages you today. I love you and miss you all!
Peace and Rest, Pastor Nick