With a group of friends, an unexpected opportunity developed for me to share my faith.  I narrated my stories, with positive response. But then, to my surprise, a lady put me on my heels.  She said, “Scott, if God did what He did for you, why would God allow what happened to me?” As an innocent girl, my friend Tammy was molested and bears the pain and scars today. In an unusual moment, I was silenced.

Tammy was right.  If God is in control, then He allowed this deep infliction of pain on my neighbor and friend. If this is true, I find God’s conduct to be appalling. But I do not believe it for a moment.

When we repeat the slogan, “God is in control,” we unwittingly make God an accomplice with evil. God had nothing to do with what happened to Tammy.  She was the victim of an evil doer.

I grant that in a cosmological sense God is in control, as the universe only exists by His will.  But usually this is not what is meant when these words are spoken. Most often they are said as a comfort for those suffering from the difficulties of this life, or to calm fears in an uncertain world. But words have consequences, and the salve of this slogan alienates Tammy from the God that desires to comfort and heal her.

God’s promise is that He would be with me when I suffer.  He never promised that I would not suffer the consequences of my decisions, the decisions of others, or even the effects of nature and physics.

Please do not misunderstand me:

• God is sovereign; but in His sovereignty He has given human beings the right to make their own decisions—including evil decisions.
• God can be in charge of my life; but only if I choose to surrender my life to Him.
• God can intervene in my affairs or the affairs of my neighbors; but only if I or my neighbors ask Him.

If I say God is in control, it relieves me of all responsibility. Why pray? Why love my neighbor? God is in control; He does not need my help.

The next time you have the urge to repeat this favorite Christian slogan, think of my friend Tammy. When confronted with suffering, perhaps you might pray for God to intervene and relieve the suffering; or perhaps you might pray for God to provide comfort; or perhaps you might intervene and relieve the suffering; or perhaps you might provide comfort.

Don’t blame God—He put you in control.