Is God really in control of what is going on in the world today?
There are many countries throughout the world currently engaged in various wars and military conflicts.
Most recently, Russia, in early 2022, has invaded Ukraine, seemingly unprovoked and unjustified.
Most countries of the world have condemned Russia’s actions. Even the International Court of Justice voted 13-2 that Russia cease their military operations in Ukraine.
In Romans 9:14-18 we read these verses, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.”
You’ll remember in the Old Testament there were multiple times in the book of Exodus where the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart – 7:13; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 14:8. We even read that Pharaoh hardened his own heart – Exodus 8:32 and 9:34.
Similarly, could God have hardened Russian President Vladimir Putin’s heart, despite the majority of the world being against his actions?
The broader question is, “Could God be behind the Russian invasion of Ukraine?”
Interesting how the first verse of Proverbs 21 reads – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1)
Here are some further verses that may suggest that God may be behind the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and that He is also in control (underlining added to emphasize and draw attention):
“And it was so, that when he [that is, Saul] had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.” (1 Samuel 10:9).
“And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.” (1 Samuel 10:26)
“But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” (1 Samuel 16:14)
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand.” (1Samuel 18:10)
“And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand.” (1 Samuel 19:9)
“And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. “And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.” (1 Samuel 19:20-21)
“So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.” (1 Samuel 26:12)
“The Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon…” (1 Kings 11:14)
“And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah: (1 Kings 11:23)
Getting back to the invasion of Ukraine, we understand that this war was unprovoked and is unjustified. We have read accounts and seen that hospitals, schools and other buildings have been bombed by Russia. It is evident that these are considered war crimes and that Putin’s actions are evil. Again, we ask, “Might the Lord have placed an evil spirit in him? Might Putin have hardened his own heart?”
Either way, God is in control of what is happening. Either God is controlling Putin’s heart or he is acting on his own and God is allowing it. Whatever the case, God’s will, will be accomplished.
In pursuing his own aspirations, perhaps Putin is acting on his own or under the direction of Satan. Or, as we have suggested, he may be controlled by God himself, as was Pharaoh and others we mentioned earlier. Whatever the case, we believe that God is sovereign, in control of all things, and that his desires will be accomplished!
Whether Putin or we ourselves, in our own individual lives, think we can accomplish our own will, we recognize that God is sovereign, that is, He rules the universe. “…even the wind and seas obey him,” as we read in Matthew 8:27. (For more on the sovereignty of God, here is an article entitled, “What does it mean that God is Sovereign?”)
We are exhorted to work out our “own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)
Note how it says it is God who worketh in you BOTH to will and to do of his good pleasure. This gives the sense that He is going to have His way with us.
Similarly, in Hebrews, we read this – “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21). This is another occurrence that God is working in us.
As believers, we should seek God’s will daily. Our prayer is “not my will, but thine be done,” as spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ when He prayed to His, and our, Father. We should follow His example, and believe that God “…worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: …” (Ephesians 1:11) and that as He told Pharaoh, “my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”