God’s Protection

TimeWatch Editorial
March 24, 2016

For the past 24 hours, the media has been involved with wall to wall coverage of the terrorist attack in Brussels. Claims have been made regarding responsibility, and the investigations continue. Already, however, there are those who have described the events in Brussels as having a direct impact upon the Presidential Elections taking place in the United States. Ben Geier, writing in Fortune Magazine on March 22, 2016 in an article entitled: What the Brussels Attacks Mean for the 2016 Presidential Race, says the following:

“At least 34 people have died in terrorist attacks Brussels, Belgium, one in Brussels’ international airport on Tuesday, and the other in one of the city’s subway stations. The attacks have already resulted in a massive outpouring of sympathy from politicians, world leaders, and others throughout the world. Such a devastating attack is bound to have a profound effect on the political conversation both in Europe and beyond, particularly on matters of security and counterterrorism. And it will surely affect the tone and tenor of the race for the presidency in the United States.” Ben Geier, What the Brussels Attacks Mean for the 2016 Presidential Race.

The stated impact of the attack is based upon events that have occurred in the past, says Mr. Geier.

“Conventional wisdom would suggest that this shift spells good news for Republicans. In the two campaign cycles after the September 11 terrorist attacks — the 2002 midterms and the 2004 presidential election — Republicans cleaned up, largely by portraying Democrats as out of touch and soft on the War on Terror and foreign policy. In 2015, The Washington Times cited a Pew Research poll showing that 51% of people felt the Republican Party was best equipped to deal with terrorism, compared with 31% standing by Democrats on this issue.” Ben Geier, What the Brussels Attacks Mean for the 2016 Presidential Race.

Whether this conventional wisdom is accurate or not, there is one element that is worth our consideration. It is something called “The Chaos Theory.” Chaos theory is the study of nonlinear dynamics, in which seemingly random events are actually predictable from simple deterministic equations. In other words, events which appear to have no relationship whatsoever ultimately create an environment that leads to one predetermined result. This is a profound truth that is evident in so many areas of life today. The constant uncertainty that pervades the world today leads inextricably to one immoveable conclusion.

Here are some examples of this. The apparent random nature of criminal activity ultimately leads to the centralization of security systems, and the collection of information. The constant apparent occurrence of suicide bombings increases the investigation of possible future suspects and the collection of information regarding associates and contacts. The increasing threats both verbal and literal leveled against nations and institutions, result in the increased surveillance of private persons and their families.

So where will the recent events in Brussels lead? The destination will be a tightening of control, restrictions on travel, even more attention paid to communications and social media and an increase in fear and insecurity everywhere. The result of all this will inevitably be a dependence upon those who promise to protect us. A surrender of our decision making to the prescriptions of those who claim to know what is best for us. This is ultimately the kind of mind control that determines the destiny of those who surrender to it. But the surrender of the mind to the control of others is not wise. There is truly only one to whom we should surrender our minds. He is the one who will indeed protect.

“God accepts nothing less than absolute surrender of the mind, the heart, the will, the strength, the entire being, to His control. The Lord can guide. His voice will be heard in reproof, in warning, and in encouragement. Then there will be brought into the work a power which comes alone from God, simplifying all the movement of the life of the soul. This is as a thread of gold, binding man to God.” . . . {E. G. White, Manuscript Release, Volume 7, Page 164.2}

Amidst all the fear and intimidation, God’s protection is absolute.

Cameron A. Bowen