The Sovereignty Of God

The Sovereignty Of God

Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version 1984)

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

I believe in the Sovereignty of God.

The Bible teaches that God is sovereign which means that God possesses and exercises supreme authority and control over all His creation. For me, that means God will carry out His plans and alter any circumstance to fit His desires, regardless of what I think should happen, or to the extent I think He can make it happen.  

There are certain scenarios I think about everyday where I believe only God has the power to intervene and effectively intercede in the circumstances I or others are facing. So as a follower of Jesus, I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for everything that takes place in my life and that just at the right time, He will change my circumstances in order to fit that plan. This means God can take a situation that I know I can’t do anything about and miraculously direct it to fulfill His purpose.

As a follower of Jesus I have to deal with these kind of questions: if God has this incredible authority and power, why does He sometimes wait to use it? Why can’t God change my circumstances when I think I need Him to? Can I, as His follower of Jesus, be faithfully patient with God and trust Him while I wait for Him to intervene or direct my circumstance and actions?

The Bible encourages me be patient with God:

Psalm 27:14 New Living Translation

Wait patiently for the Lord.  Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

The Bible encourages me be patient during times of distress and suffering:

Romans 12:12  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Patience is a virtue of a follower of Jesus:

Colossians 3:12 New International Version (NIV)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Sometimes we have to understand that God is actually being patient with all of us, especially when it comes to fulfilling His plan of Salvation:

2 Peter 3:9 New International Version (NIV)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Let’s understand this - God works according to His plan and timing. Here is a verse from Ephesians that supports the idea that God is sovereign.

Ephesians 1:11 (New Living Translation)

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

What we can see throughout the Bible, along with the events that take place in our own lives, that God chooses when and how He will fulfill His plan. 

I can witness to the fact that God has perfect timing based on the events and circumstances in my own life.

However, there are times I am perplexed by God’s actions and decisions to allow things to happen where I find myself not being able to understand His will in a particular circumstance. Yet, I have come to accept, with help from the Bible, that I will never in this life fully understand the mind of God. God tells us directly:

Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version 1984)

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Based on my own circumstances, I know I can trust and invest in the promises of God. You see if God is sovereign, and He says He has a good plan for my life, then I can rejoice in His ultimate power to fulfill those promises because whatever happens is ultimately for my own good.

Romans 8:28 (New International Version 1984)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Application:

If God has an awesome plan for our lives, then why not surrender our will for His better purpose? Followers of Jesus can know this: God will do a good work in us. God will do a good work through us. God will fulfill in us His good purpose.

Check out these verses below:

Philippians 1:6 (New International Version 1984)

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Philippians 2:13 New International Version

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose

The Bible is clear, God has awesome plans for His people.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version 1984)

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.

John 3:16 (New International Version 1984)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

So let’s take time each day to thank God for the plans He has for us.  Let’s rejoice in His sovereignty. Let’s trust in God's plan for our lives:

My favorite verse when it comes to trusting in God’s sovereign plan:

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Remember and trust in this: If God directs it, it will happen.

If you believe God has the power to create the vast universe He certainly has the power to direct the circumstances within it.

Just Sayin………………..Dave