As people shared their prayer request, it was obvious the focus centered of the condition of our nation. The USA is now 240 years old—40 years beyond the average 200 years of great nations. If you Google the stages of the rise and fall of nations, you will see we are in the final stages of decline. Some readers might be thinking, “That’s not a very encouraging way to begin. I need a word to sustain me through the week.” Encouragement can always be found in one phrase—the Sovereignty of God. You can read as many definitions of sovereignty as writers who attempt a definition of this Biblical teaching. Simply stated, sovereignty means God has the right to do whatever He wants. He is in absolute control of everything that takes place in the universe. The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths (Psa 135:6 NIV). When I face difficulties and challenges and see the problems of the world, I remind myself of the practical aspect of His sovereignty—God is in charge.
Many find the doctrine of the sovereignty of God troublesome. I recently heard an individual say that he doesn’t think about such concepts because they confuse him. Sad when people ignore parts of the Bible that can fill them with eternal joy and hope. The first step towards gaining an understanding of sovereignty is accepting the fact that a total comprehension is beyond human ability. After Paul completed the first eleven chapters of Romans, it seems he is overwhelmed realizing the greatness of God. He ended this section with a benediction, Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways (Rom 11:33)! Few Christians question the reality of God’s sovereignty over the universe. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all (Ps 103:19 NIV). Believers probably gave no thought of God’s sovereignty when in 1994 a comet or an asteroid hit Jupiter with the force equivalent to over a million one-megaton nuclear bombs.
No problems with Him ruling the Milky Way but our objections begin when His sovereignty becomes personal. We relish the good times, but the strength of our faith in the Lord is challenged when catastrophes, natural disasters, freak accidents, or chaos in the world affects me. We must anchor our hope in the fact that God is sovereign, He has a plan, and all world events are moving toward the completion of that plan. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please (Isa 46:10 NIV). We must rest in the knowledge God’s plan is beyond our understanding. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts (Isa 55:8, 9).
The prophet Habbakkuk lived during the period when Babylon began its invasions into Judah. The prophet couldn’t understand why God was allowing difficult circumstances take place and asked “Why”. Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. . . Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up Those more righteous than they . . . ? Why have You made men like the fish of the sea (Hab 1:3, 13, 14)? God reminded the prophet of His sovereignty and that He was in control. Habbakkuk resolved he would trust the Lord when difficult times came, even when they appeared contradictory to His sovereign control. Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength (Hab 3:17-19).
Max Lucado wrote an article this past week titled, ‘My Prediction for November 9’. He writes, “I know exactly what November 9 will bring. Another day of God’s perfect sovereignty. He will still be in charge. His throne will still be occupied. He will still manage the affairs of the world.” God has a plan for man as He promised Jeremiah, ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope (Jer 29:11). Scripture nowhere says that in this life we will live without troubles. But it does promise He will lead us through—even through the valley of the shadow of death; through to the green pastures. As with Jonah, He will cause the fish to spew us out on the shoreline. Jesus died on the cross but on the third day, the Father brought Him out of the tomb victorious over death and the grave. We may not understand the ‘whys’ of our troubles, but we can rest in the assurance God is sovereign and in control and taking us to a future (eternity) and hope.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Are you willing to believe that God knows what He’s doing and in control during the difficult times? Remember He is sovereign, in charge, and just working out His plan.