The Script of Your Story
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV
Let me begin by asking the big question for this season:
How’s Your Soccer Watch Going?
By now, you’ve probably seen and heard the cheers, celebrations, painted faces, national flags, jerseys, and just about everything else. Soccer is undoubtedly the talk of the season.
Perhaps you’ve also come across voices claiming that soccer is a scripted game. The argument usually goes something like this:
“If Argentina wins the final, then it was all scripted.” Really? Maybe? Who knows?
But if that’s true, then another question naturally follows:
Who is the director of this so-called World Cup script?
If every match is scripted, someone must be writing the storyline, deciding the goals, and directing every dramatic moment on the pitch. Perhaps, before the final whistle blows, you should put on your detective hat and discover who this mysterious “soccer director” really is, or whether we’re simply hearing rumours that have taken on a life of their own.
Now let's interact briefly with some questions.
Why Does Evil Exist?
Well, there is a Satan who deceives people because of their naivety, anger, jealousy, bitterness, and many other human vices. Yes, humans have a sinful flesh with many vices. Satan takes advantage of those weaknesses to multiply sin, increase crime, and spread evil.
What then is God Doing?
God allows Satan to do his work of evil together with other demons. But Satan and all his evil forces are under God’s leash. As Martin Luther said, “Satan is a dog, and God holds his leash.” Satan can only go as far as God allows.
What should I do so that Satan does not win in my story and destroy everything?
Follow Jesus. Read your Bible. Cancel the negative and evil noises around you. Worship Jesus alone. Find a church community and stay committed to it through rain or shine, through good times and hard times.
How is God Directing my Story?
God gently leads us like a shepherd. His voice, once heard and followed, can completely change the trajectory of your life. In your story and in my story, challenges may remain, but that is part of life. Yet we can continue to move forward with God leading our story. He guides us with His peace in every season. Surely, we will experience His goodness, His mercy, and His blessings.
Now let’s quickly & very briefly exegete Ecclesiastes 3:11.
Let’s ground ourselves in one major biblical truth that is so relevant and needs to be soaked in every single day:
God is Sovereign.
More specifically,
God is Sovereign over our Story.
Don’t lose heart or be discouraged. Embrace God’s direction in your story with gratitude. Know that as you choose to respond to His love, or even when you fail to love Him back, He is still directing your story. He is still at work in your life. In every season, He will be with you and will defend your story even from the evil one, as you simply rely on Him.
He knows the beginning from the end. Nothing catches Him by surprise. Every season has a purpose, and every chapter is under His sovereign care. Trust the Director of your story, for He knows exactly where He is leading you.
Prayer: The God of the beginning and the end, I trust that You are in my story. Help me to cast all my worries onto You. At the same time, grant me wisdom to know Your leading in my life. Help me know Your grace, Your truth, Your love and forgiveness, and Your sovereign support in my story.