God Is In Control

The Christmas story is familiar: Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, and the manger. But hidden in the simplicity of that scene is a profound message of God’s sovereignty—His ultimate control over all things. This truth, seen in the birth of Jesus, brings hope and assurance to our lives today.  

One of the hardest questions we wrestle with is, *“If God is in control, why does He allow suffering or hardship?”* The truth is, God doesn’t cause everything to happen. He doesn’t orchestrate tragedy or pain. However, only God has the power to use every circumstance for His purpose. That’s the hope of the manger.  

This message of sovereignty is woven into the Christmas story in three powerful ways.  

In Luke 2:1-5, we find Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem:


The timing couldn’t have been worse—Mary was full-term, and a long journey of 70-90 miles by foot or donkey was grueling. Yet, this inconvenience fulfilled an ancient prophecy:
Mary and Joseph likely questioned God: “Why now? Why here?” But their journey was no accident. God was sovereignly guiding every step to fulfill His purpose.

Just as God worked through Mary and Joseph’s difficult circumstances, He is working in our lives, too. Whether we face hardship, uncertainty, or loss, God is using every step to fulfill His purpose.

Instead of asking, “God, what are You doing?” we can ask, “God, how do You want to use this?” Romans 8:28 reminds us:


Your circumstances may not make sense now, but God sees the bigger picture. The same God who orchestrated the manger is working in your life, too.

At first glance, it seemed like Caesar Augustus was in control. His decree forced Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. But Galatians 4:4 reveals a greater truth:


This was the “fullness of time”—the perfect moment in history for Christ to be born. Why? Because God was sovereignly working through political and cultural systems:

• Political Stability: The Roman Empire brought relative peace, allowing the Gospel to spread.
• Roman Roads: An extensive network of roads made travel and communication easier.
• Common Language: Greek was widely spoken, enabling the message of Jesus to be shared across regions.
• Jewish Dispersion: Jewish communities spread throughout the Roman world were primed to hear the message of a coming Messiah.
  
  

Caesar thought he was in control, but he was unknowingly part of God’s plan. As Jesus later said to Pilate:


Worldly leaders, systems, and circumstances may appear to dictate our lives, but God is ultimately in control. In His sovereignty, He uses everything—even worldly powers—for His divine purpose.

The Savior of the world wasn’t born in a palace or surrounded by royalty. Instead, He was laid in a manger—a feeding trough for animals. Luke 2:6-7 says:

This humble setting teaches us an incredible truth: God doesn’t need grandeur or extravagance to accomplish His plans. He often works in the most common, unexpected places and people.

The Jewish people expected a military Messiah who would overthrow Rome. Isaiah 9:6-7 even describes the Messiah with “governmental” language:


Yet Jesus’ Kingdom was different. His reign began in a manger and culminated on the cross—two of the most humble places imaginable. From cradle to cross, God demonstrated that His sovereignty doesn’t require human power, wealth, or status.

God is still working in the most ordinary places of our lives. He uses common moments, unexpected people, and humble circumstances to showcase His power and control.

The manger is more than a prop in a nativity scene. It’s a sign of God’s sovereignty:

1. He is sovereign over our circumstances.
2. He is sovereign over worldly command.
3. He is sovereign in the most common places.
   
   

No matter what you’re facing, remember: God doesn’t cause everything to happen, but He can use everything for His cause. His sovereign control gives us hope.

The next time you find yourself asking, “God, what are You doing?” try asking instead: “God, how do You want to use this?” Because the same God who brought a Savior into the world through a humble manger is still working in your life today.

This Christmas, let the message from the manger give you peace: God is in control. If He can orchestrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem at the perfect time, He can be trusted with every detail of your life.

How is God working in your circumstances right now? How might He want to use this season for His purpose?

_{Watch or listen to the full message, "God is in Control", from the series The Message From The Manger by clicking below.}