Dear brethren, it is with a heart full of gratitude that I address you today, mindful of the providence that has brought us to this moment. The current state of our world may well cause us to ask, "If the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). In times such as these, when chaos seems to reign and all that was once stable is now shaken, it is natural for the soul to be disquieted. Yet, let us not succumb to despair but rather strive to discern the hand of God in the narrative in which we find ourselves.

I implore you, therefore, to consider that the events unfolding before us are not random acts of disorder but are part of a divinely ordained story. Perhaps you find it difficult to see this, for the world may appear as nothing more than a tumultuous assembly of madness, akin to a frenzy in the house of fools. Indeed, the machinations of men, driven by their vain ambitions, present themselves as though they were the authors of history. But let us remember the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Cease ye from man, who has but a breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?" (Isaiah 2:22).

The kings and rulers of this world, who conspire against the Lord and His Anointed, are but instruments in His hand. Even as they rise against Him, the Almighty laughs, knowing that their greatest designs are naught but a prelude to His greater purpose (Psalm 2:1-4). What did the rulers of this world achieve when they set themselves against Christ? They fulfilled the very counsel of God, securing the redemption of mankind through the crucifixion of the Lord of Glory. Had they understood the divine wisdom at work, they would not have crucified the Prince of Life (1 Corinthians 2:8).

Thus, the conspiracies of today, though they seem formidable, are but the vain plots of men who do not perceive that they are being directed by a sovereign God. The Lord uses even the crooked lines of their intentions to accomplish His straight purposes. Therefore, let us not be troubled by the tumult of nations, for they are as dust before Him. When He turns the page, their schemes shall come to naught.

Our confidence must rest in the truth that God is the author of this story. He who numbers the stars and calls them by name, who ordains the rise and fall of empires, is also the One who numbers the hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30). No detail of this cosmos is outside His sovereign will. Even the smallest creatures, the very beasts of the field, move according to His decree. Shall we then think that the affairs of men escape His notice? Far from it! The Lord God Almighty reigns, and He does all that pleases Him.

The events that seem to shake the foundations of the earth are but the workings of His providence. The rulers of this age are like the grass that withers; their pomp and power are fleeting. But the purposes of our God endure forever, and His plans shall be established. Let us then lift our eyes above the confusion of the present hour and behold the Lord seated upon His throne, governing all things according to the counsel of His will.

The storm that rages around us is under His control, and the clouds that darken our days are but the shadow of His wings. Trust, therefore, in the Lord, and be not moved by the apparent triumphs of the wicked. Their end is certain, and the glory of God shall be revealed in due time. Let us, with renewed faith, commit ourselves to His sovereign care, knowing that in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

In light of all that has been said, let us consider the profound truth that God has appointed each of us to live in this specific moment of history. This is not by chance, but by the deliberate will of our sovereign Creator. He who formed us in the womb and numbered our days has also determined the times and places in which we should live (Acts 17:26). Therefore, we must not shrink back in fear or despair, but rather rise to the occasion with the courage that comes from knowing that we are instruments in His mighty hand.

The challenges we face are not greater than the grace that sustains us. God has equipped us for the tasks before us, and He has promised to be with us as we walk through the fire (Isaiah 43:2). Our adversities, though daunting, are opportunities for the light of Christ to shine all the brighter in this dark world. We are called to stand firm, clothed in the armor of God, and to press forward with the confidence that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let us then, with steadfast hearts, embrace the moment for which we were created, knowing that our God is with us, and His purposes will prevail.

As we engage the world with the truth of the gospel, let us remember that the victory is already secured through Christ. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). Therefore, let us face adversity not with trepidation but with the boldness that comes from faith in a sovereign and faithful God. In His strength, we shall overcome, and His glory shall be revealed in and through us, to the praise of His magnificent grace.

- Hawkins Wilson