The questions is often asked, “If God is in control, why is all this mess in the world?” But the better question might be, “Is God in control of what goes on in the earth?”

The heavens belong to our God; they are his alone, but he has given us the earth and put us in charge. Psalm 115:16 (The Passion Translation, TPT).

My friend, the heavens belong to the Lord, but He’s given us the earth. In Genesis, God told Adam that He had given Adam dominion, or authority over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). Then Adam gave it to the devil. After this, Jesus came and got that authority back from the devil, and He gave it to us, His followers. As a Christian, we can give God control of us and our lives. It is our choice.

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow! John 10:10 (The Passion Translation, TPT)

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. James 1:17 (Amplified Bible, AMP)

Bad comes from the devil, but all good things come from God. Even when bad things come, we can choose to give it to God and watch Him work it for our good (Romans 8:28). The more we give God control, the more He will get involved, but God leaves it up to each individual. The wrongs in the earth are present because man has not taken authority over them to release the power of God to prevent or fix them.

We can live our lives any old way we please, but it will cost us dearly. Sin and disobedience bring misery and death, but obedience brings life, happines and blessing. As we stand on God’s Word, we give Him control so that He can do what He promises in His Word (Jeremiah 1:12, Isaiah 55:11). God does not send sickness, pverty, pain, death, and so on. The devil does, and so does man who doesn’t yield to God.

The Bible says that God raises people up and He also takes people out of positions. As we pray, God will move and we will see change in us, our families, workplaces, churches, communities, governments, and nations. God is waiting on us to get Him involved.

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

Notice this verse refers to “My people.” God isn’t telling sinners to do this- He is talking to His people- those who are called by His name. He is waiting on His church to humble themselves and pray, seek Him and turn away from their sin. When we do, God will act.

God has given us authority to use Jesus’s Name, so when something gets out of line in the earth, we are to put it back in line by speaking to it in that Name. We can use our authority, whether it involves our health, social injustice, financial lack, or whatever. God will not go against a person’s will, but our prayers release Him to deal with them, touching their hearts and drawing them to Himself. God has a way of working on people, dealing with them and giving them an opportunity to get right. God did His part, now He waits on man to accept or reject what He offers. In the end, when things have wrapped up, Jesus will take full control over everything. But right now, He’s waiting on each person to accept Him so that none will perish (II Peter 3:9).

As the Creator and Originator of everything, including the earth and everything in it, God ultimately is in control. He chose to give earthly authority and dominion to man for a span of time, so He’s waiting on man to give Him control over him and his life. When we give God control, He gives us the best life now and for all eternity.