Passion for God – God’s Sovereignty

Tuesday, 15 March 2011, lisa

As believers, how do we deal with suffering and tragedy? In March, the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan probably caused many of us to reflect on this question. If we are honest, we may also be asking the question “Where is God in all this?” We may even find ourselves asking whether or not God is in control, and if He is, why such suffering?

In his book, “Trusting God”, Jerry Bridges states, “The one element that should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God’s eternal plan, and He brings or allows to come into our lives only that which is for His glory and our good.”

In the Bible, there are many names for God. “El Elyon” is the name for God that means “the Most High”. It is the name that designates God as the sovereign ruler of the universe! God truly is all-knowing, all-powerful, and in control. He has absolute rule and control over all of His creation. There is no such thing as coincidence! Every single thing – pleasant or unpleasant or inconvenient – is absolutely controlled by God. He either directly causes it or consciously allows it.

Therefore, we should take very seriously the issue of His authority. Who is going to be in control of your life? When we entered into this relationship with Jesus Christ, it was all ultimately about who was going to be in control of our lives. Were we all that impressed with how we ran our lives prior to entering this relationship with Him?

God is committed to showing us the best possible life — one full of contentment, purpose, fulfillment, intimacy, and adventure – but only on His terms - not our own. Who will ever know better how to run our lives than this wonderfully loving God of the universe? We should find comfort in knowing our God is in control of all things! The next time you feel as if the trials of life are overwhelming, or you feel the world around you is out of control, remember that God is in control of all, and nothing happens without His permission.

Charles Spurgeon said it well –“There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that sovereignty overrules them, and that sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children ought more earnestly to contend than the doctrine of the Master of all Creation–the Kingship of God over all the works of His own hands–the throne of God and His right to sit upon that throne. We proclaim an enthroned God and His right to do as He wills with His own, to dispose of His creatures as He thinks best, without consulting them. It is God upon the throne that we love to preach. It is God upon His throne whom we trust.”