“God is in charge. With our cooperation God will bring all things to their good end.”

“God is in charge.” This belief gives my family and me hope in our personal life journeys. We have learned from churchgoing and Christian friendships that when we walk with Jesus, God gets us through losses, fractured relationships, fears, depression and serious, even terminal, health conditions. God’s shalom surrounds us. Senior years bring declining strength, health and abilities, but with our cooperation we experience life to the end, life that never ends.

“God is in charge.” When we cooperate and work with God, redemption occurs. Recently, my wife and I streamed the “Unforgotten” series on Public Broadcasting Service. “Unforgotten” is a “cold case” murder mystery where police investigate a discovery of unidentified human remains. What makes “Unforgotten” special is that not only is justice served but there is some redemption for both victims and perpetrators. Pain, suffering and trauma are acknowledged. People express remorse (“repentance”). There is reconciliation, forgiveness, new life. While there is no mention of “God,” “Unforgotten” exemplifies how God, with help from committed people, works in the world to bring renewal and peace out of pain and tragedy.

When it comes to our present nation and world, it’s hard for me to see signs that “God is in charge.” So how can that be? How can God be in charge now?

People who seek justice, mercy and the common good must join together, work together with God, to live out the truth they believe. We need to participate in groups and institutions that are life-giving, such as our local governments, schools and places of worship. We need to work with social service groups to express caring for others. In ways like this, we can cooperate with God to exercise control and we will see “God in charge.”

A Christmas message to give us hope: “God is in charge.” Cooperating with God, despite suffering, pain and loss, things will come out well. This is one of the foundational beliefs of my life.

Rev. Jeffrey P. Kistler

Retired pastor

United Church of Christ