In Touch Daily Devotion

In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 10, 2008 -- God's Great Power -- Romans 8:28-39 I was signing books one day when a young man came forward and told me a story as I autographed his copy. "I put a gun to my chest and was going to kill myself," he began. "For some reason, I turned on the television, and there you were, talking about suicide. After listening for a while, I knew that the Lord was talking to me, so I laid the gun down and gave my life to Jesus Christ." I've heard similar stories too many times to count--someone in despair turns on the TV or radio and hears a sermon that speaks directly to his or her need. I don't believe for one second that I am responsible. The Lord, who is all-powerful, intercedes in people's lives. Sometimes He does this by leading them to turn on a program which can help. What's more, only a God who can control all things could change a lost and scared young man into a willing and excited servant--and that's exactly the kind of person who was standing in front of me that day at the book table. The world talks about accidents, luck, and good fortune, but all of these terms imply that we are victims of cir****tance. The truth is, God is sovereign and all the world is under His control. Anything that enters our life--whether it is blessing or trial--comes because the Lord has allowed it. When we encounter evil, we wonder why He does not put an end to it, because we know that He can. But God does have a purpose, and history has proven He produces good from even the ugliest of human tragedies. Dr. Charles Stanley