Does God Control Everything? By Nonie Sables

 (Image credit to Pinterest)

This is one of the most profound and frequently asked questions in life. When we look at the world around us, we often see chaos, suffering, and confusion. Natural disasters, tragedies, pandemics, and personal struggles can make it seem like life is random or spiraling out of control. In such moments, we ask, “Does God really control everything?”

This question cuts to the heart of our understanding of God’s sovereignty, His character, and His relationship with the world. Does God micromanage every detail? Is He in charge even when things go wrong? To answer this question, we need to dive deep into the nature of God’s control, human free will, and how divine sovereignty plays out in our everyday lives.

God’s Sovereignty: The Foundation of His Control

The Bible leaves no doubt about God’s sovereignty over all creation. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture affirms that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Colossians 1:16-17 say:

“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

This passage reveals that everything—both seen and unseen—was made by God and continues to exist under His sovereign care. God’s control is not limited to the spiritual realm; it extends to the physical world, governments, and history itself. Nothing happens outside of His awareness and ultimate plan.

Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” This does not mean that God is an arbitrary ruler who exercises power without reason. Rather, it underscores that His control is absolute. God is never caught off guard or surprised by events. He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), and nothing happens without His permission.

How Does God’s Control Relate to Human Free Will?

While God is sovereign, He has given humanity free will—the ability to make choices. This is where many struggle to reconcile the idea of God’s control with the reality of human responsibility. If God is in control of everything, do our choices really matter?

The answer is yes. God’s control does not negate human free will. In His sovereignty, God designed a world where our choices have real consequences. We are not robots or puppets; we are active participants in God’s plan. However, even though we have free will, God is still working in and through our decisions to accomplish His purposes.

Romans 8:28 offers comfort and clarity: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This verse shows us that while we make choices—both good and bad—God is actively working in every situation for our ultimate good and His glory. Even when we fail or face difficulties, God weaves everything together to fulfill His divine plan.

Take, for example, the story of Joseph in Genesis. His brothers made a terrible choice when they sold him into slavery out of jealousy. Yet, years later, Joseph, after rising to power in Egypt, could say to them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). This shows that God can take even sinful or harmful actions and use them for His greater purposes.

What About Suffering and Evil?

If God controls everything, why does He allow suffering, evil, and tragedy? This is one of the most challenging aspects of the question of God’s control. The existence of pain and evil in the world can make it difficult to trust that God is truly in charge. But the Bible provides insight into this struggle.

First, it is important to recognize that we live in a fallen world. When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3), it brought with it the consequences of brokenness—death, suffering, and separation from God. Much of the evil and pain we experience is a result of living in this fallen world. But that does not mean God has lost control or is absent in our suffering.

God permits evil and suffering, but He is not the author of it. He allows it for reasons that often go beyond our understanding. However, we know from Scripture that God will one day right every wrong. Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

In the meantime, God is present in our pain. He walks with us through suffering and offers comfort and hope. Even more, He uses suffering to refine us and draw us closer to Him. James 1:2-4 tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials because those trials produce perseverance, maturity, and growth in our faith.

Ultimately, God’s control is not about preventing us from ever experiencing hardship; it is about His ability to bring good out of even the darkest circumstances. The cross of Christ is the greatest example of this truth. What appeared to be the greatest evil—Jesus’ crucifixion—was used by God for the greatest good: the salvation of humanity.

Trusting God’s Control in Our Daily Lives

Understanding that God is in control changes how we live. It gives us peace during uncertainty, knowing that nothing is beyond God’s grasp. It allows us to trust that, even when we do not understand what is happening, God is working for our good and His glory.

When life feels out of control—when we face illness, financial struggles, broken relationships, or loss—we can find comfort in the knowledge that God’s hands are still on the wheel. He sees the bigger picture, and His plan is always for our ultimate benefit.

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting in God’s control means releasing our need to have everything figured out and resting in the assurance that God is good, wise, and loving.

Therefore: Does God Control Everything?

Yes, God is in control of everything. His sovereignty extends over all creation, every event, and every detail of our lives. He works through both the good and the bad, our successes and failures, to accomplish His perfect plan. At the same time, He gives us the responsibility of free will, allowing our choices to matter while still weaving them into His grand design.

While we may not always understand why things happen the way they do, we can trust in God’s control. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and He is always working for the good of those who love Him. So, in moments of uncertainty or pain, take heart: the God who created the universe is still in control, and His purposes will always prevail.