CHRISTIAN LIFE & GROWTH  



Who's in charge here anyway?

Part 3: If God is sovereign, so what?


By Dolores Kimball



Part 1: A look at the sovereignty of God  |  Part 2: Is God sovereign or what?

Ok, so what if I admit that neither ‘free' will (mine or anyone else's) chance, Satan, or demons can counter the plans of God or stay His hand in anything He purposes to do? How does that make a difference in my life? When the storms of life hit, when loved ones die, the economy crashes and I lose my job, what does God's sovereignty give me? Will it bring back the dead, provide for my family, or ease the burdens I carry around daily?

When life seems to be nothing more than directionless chaos, consider Hebrews 12:1 "…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." The race marked out for us? Huh! There's a race marked out for us? Some versions say the race "set before us." It means "appointed, made up in advance." Like the slalom skier who races downhill at breakneck speed, seemingly out of control, we move through the appointed gates of life and God's complete control of every aspect of our lives keeps us on the exact course He has planned out for us.

Nothing surprises Him; nothing takes Him off His game or thwarts His plan. His purpose for each of His children is foreordained. Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Psalm 139:16 adds "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." So not only can we be sure that everything that happens is foreordained by God; we also have the assurance that His plan for us is for our benefit, our hope and our future.

The Lord Jesus certainly found solace in God's sovereignty. He wasn't answering Pontius Pilate's questions, and Pilate said "Do you refuse to speak to me?" "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above" (John 19:10-11). Jesus knew where the power was and who was in charge of the plan. He also understood that God's plan was for the ultimate benefit of millions who would come to Christ for salvation—the benefit, the hope, and the future promised in Jeremiah 29:11.

The comfort and peace this affords to those who belong to God through Christ are huge! They are life-changing, monumentally encouraging, and profound. Imagine, though, what a horror a completely sovereign God would be if He were not also good, loving, kind, merciful, faithful, compassion, and immutable. We'll consider that next time.


Image Credit: Geeta Nambiar; "Spl a s h"; Creative Commons


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Republished on 5-16-13