The Whole World in His Hands

T he world is a big place. And the more I travel, the bigger it gets. I’m writing this article on a flight from Washington Dulles to Burundi, East Africa. The total travel time is over 20 hours. But it’s worth it. I feel honored I get to teach a week-long course for African pastors. Influencing pastors, who in turn will influence their respective churches, brings my heart joy.

It’s been said that people are the same wherever you go. I’d say this is partially true. All of us share many of the same desires for love and security and for meaningful work and a future for our children. But people are also very different. Cultures are complex, with customs built over centuries. Some cultures are extremely hospitable while at the same time not showing the slightest awkwardness when encroaching on another’s personal space. For some people in some cultures, different rules apply.

When I’m around people of diverse cultures—people unlike me—a consistent thought invades my mind. It’s something like, God knows all these people, and He loves them perfectly and completely. And on this current travel adventure an additional thought in the form of musical lyrics accompanies my musings: He’s got the whole world in His hands. God knows what He is doing. He’s reliable. And nothing escapes His notice. His plans are unstoppable. He is keenly aware of every detail of humanity both present and forgotten. And even heartache and challenges can be used for His purposes.

On a long-haul, overseas flight, I may watch a movie or two, read a book, or try to sleep. But I’m as likely to hypnotically stare at the navigational map on the back of the seat in front of me. That map shows our plane’s exact location—where we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re headed. And, in addition, I doubt I’ll ever be able to overcome my astonishment that something as large as an Airbus 350 can seem to float so effortlessly in the sky.

After take-off, we made our way over the east coast of the United States. Soon the dark, frigid waters of the North Atlantic were 35,000 feet below us. And so too was the wreckage of the Titanic. Now resting on the ocean floor over two miles below the surface of the sea, the ship is in two pieces—bearing only a slight resemblance to its unsinkable glory before that fateful night in 1912. My reflection on that tragedy was followed by the reminder: He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Reaching the European continent, we flew over the English Channel and the beaches of Normandy, France. Brave soldiers saved the world from tyranny in the do-or-die D-Day invasion. Again, He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Tracing our plane’s location on the screen just above my tray table, I noticed we flew only slightly north of Spain. Earlier that day, I had seen the news. Over 60,000 Moroccans were breaching the fragile border between Morocco and Spain in the Spanish city of Ceuta. Their presence was already creating chaos and crime—more like an invasion than orderly immigration. And once again, I thought, He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Next, we made our way over the Mediterranean Sea. It’s big. The Apostle Paul and others traveled this expansive body of water to spread the gospel in that part of the known world. After a shipwreck off the coast of Malta, Paul made it to Rome where the news of Jesus would eventually find a firm footing. But there, Paul’s race ended. He would lay down his life for the cause of Christ. And I heard those words again: He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Flying above the Mediterranean, we entered the airspace over Egypt. There the Israelites were slaves in Egyptian dynasties spanning 400 years. God miraculously freed His people with Moses as mediator of their covenant. That new nation, favored by God, would find freedom as they made their exit through the Red Sea with water walled up on both sides of this fleeing mass of former slaves. Then and now, He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Now changing planes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I remembered Philip’s conversation with the Ethiopian eunuch recorded in Acts 8. What a story. The Spirit prompts Philip to run after the chariot occupied by this Ethiopian official. As providence would have it, the Ethiopian was reading from the prophet Isaiah while riding along the road—Isaiah 53 to be exact. Talk about a perfect setup for a conversation about Jesus. Invited to sit in the chariot, Philip explained who Jesus is, and the Ethiopian enthusiastically responded to Philip’s message. He was also baptized by Philip after they came across sufficient water as they traveled down the road. Evangelistically speaking, that’s low-hanging fruit! And once more I’m reminded, He’s got the whole world in His hands.

Finally arriving in Bujumbura, Burundi, I began an extraordinary week. I preached in a church the day after I arrived. I stood in a simple church building filled with people eager to learn and worship God. I’m pretty sure that in heaven, the Africans will be in charge of leading worship. Rhythm and music live in their DNA. Then, along with four other American pastors, we taught Burundian pastors all week about the wonder of God’s grace. I loved it! That experience reminded me that He’s got the whole world in His hands.

God is the Lord of all. In Psalm 24, David says,

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. ² For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.

And for believers in Jesus, God’s grip is lovingly tight. We’re in His hands forever. Nothing can ever change that truth. Jesus’ words in John 10 give hope and assurance to every believer.

²⁸ “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

Slogging through the trenches of everyday life can create unrest in our souls. Sometimes discouragement or disillusionment might seem unbearable. Or maybe we try to numb ourselves to life’s realties by chasing all kinds of distractions or temporary fixes.

Perhaps a new perspective would help. A 35,000-foot perspective. A bird’s-eye view that invites wonder and ignites our faith. Maybe we need to see from above where God is. This fresh perspective might be all it takes to remind us: He’s got the whole world in His hands.