Hey, Christian Lady, in case you didn’t know, in case no one has told you yet…just in case you simply need a reminder, here you go: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD. He is the God over the universe, and ABSOLUTELY all power rests in His hands. He is sovereign, and His providence will always work everything out on your behalf. Oh yeah! God’s sovereign will is consistent and reliable. Bet on it!
Let me be clear. When I say God is sovereign, I mean He is the ultimate Source, Manager, and Controller of absolutely everything! Nothing surprises Him. Get outta here. Girlfriend, He is NOT up in heaven panicking, bawling, or stress-eating because of the trouble that comes your way. No way, Christian Sister! He’s God…over it ALL! He is all over everything going on in your life!
Table of Contents for “God’s sovereign will”
If you’ve read me before, you know I love Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” translation. It’s clear, concise, accurate, and almost sarcastic. In fact, that sentence describes me perfectly, too – maybe that’s why I like this translation! Ha!
Anyway, here’s how the spicy (like me) translation called “The Message” renders Colossians 1:16:
Colossians 1:16-18 The Message (MSG)
“We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.”
Isn’t that scripture delightfully straightforward and at the same time very comforting? For sure, Jesus is always in charge! He’s infinitely victorious. Because He is, we are going to be ok.
Trust God's plan, not your thoughts, opinions or feelings. Click To TweetPlease remember God’s sovereign will is never to harm you or to hurt you. You don’t have to “side-eye” Him like a first date with some new guy. Now, God’s up to something good in your life…right this very second, He is! Can you feel my passion for His power?
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11
I know you wanna know more about sovereignty. Christianity.com has a great article on this subject of just that. Click to check it out.
Final thing. Have you noticed the word sovereign has the word “reign” in it? Cool, right? God’s sovereign will is our reality because He REIGNS! Yes!!! Super exciting in my opinion!
This really helps me because I’ve been through so much crappy stuff in my life. I’ll bet you have too. Rest assured, none of it – not any of it – could have happened unless God allowed it for a purpose. Just like Joseph. Sold to slavery, hated by his brothers, betrayal, and prison – all part of God’s will to save many people during a famine that would come years later.
God has a plan. When looking at our lives, we see a moment, but God sees a mosaic.
Cool thought, right?
God’s sovereign will is in process. It’s unfolding!
At this very moment in time, regardless of what is going on in your life, Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for you and me. Think about it.
Don’t worry for a single, solitary second; He’s figuring it all out for us. That’s also a big part of His providence.
“blessing I will bless you,”
Genesis 22:17
Without a doubt, He is actively organizing, orchestrating, and re-structuring people, things, and places in your life to ensure that you come out of this season intact and triumphant for His namesake. That’s providence. That’s Power. That’s God!
I love what R.C. Sproul says on Ligonier.com. Here’s how he frames providence: “This is our Father’s world, and the affairs of men and nations, in the final analysis, are in His hands.”
Examples of God’s sovereign will
The idea of “God’s sovereignty” is seriously mind-blowing, Christian Sister!
It’s all about the revelation that God has absolute power and control over everything, like everything in the universe! It’s like God is the ultimate arbiter and nothing happens without His say-so, you know what I’m saying?
Key aspects of God’s sovereignty include:
- Supreme Authority: God is seen as the highest authority, and His will is considered the ultimate standard by which everything is measured.
- Divine Control: God exercises control over the entire universe, from the macroscopic level of cosmic events to the microscopic details of individual lives.
- Unquestionable Rule: God’s sovereignty implies that His decisions and plans are beyond question or challenge. His wisdom and understanding surpass human comprehension.
- Plan of Redemption: In our Christian theology, God’s sovereign plan includes the redemption of humanity through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Freedom and Responsibility: The belief in God’s sovereignty does not negate human free will or responsibility. Instead, it emphasizes that God’s overarching plan remains in control even within the context of human choices.
The idea of God’s sovereignty brings comfort and assurance to us as Christian women, knowing that even in the midst of uncertainty, God is ultimately in charge. It is a foundational concept that shapes the understanding of God’s nature and interaction with the world.
In the Bible, there are a bunch of examples where God’s in charge of everything. He shows His infinite wisdom and power in so many ways.
Let me give you a few examples:
- Creation (Genesis 1-2): God’s sovereign will is evident in the creation narrative. He spoke the universe into existence, demonstrating His authority over all aspects of the world.
- The Exodus (Exodus 3-14): God’s plan to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt showcases His sovereign will. Despite Pharaoh’s resistance, God orchestrated a series of events that led to the liberation of His people.
- The Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38): The virgin birth of Jesus is a profound example of God’s sovereign will. It fulfilled prophecies and established the foundation for humanity’s redemption.
- Paul’s Conversion (Acts 9): The dramatic conversion of Saul (later known as Paul) on the road to Damascus illustrates God’s sovereign will in transforming a persecutor of Christians into one of the most influential apostles.
- Crucifixion and Resurrection (Matthew 26-28): The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus represent God’s ultimate sovereign plan for salvation. Despite human betrayal and rejection, God’s redemptive purpose prevailed.
- The Conversion of Lydia (Acts 16:14): In the book of Acts, the opening of Lydia’s heart by God to respond to Paul’s message exemplifies God’s sovereign work in drawing individuals to Himself.
These examples highlight God’s sovereignty in creation, deliverance, redemption, and people’s individual lives. They demonstrate His overarching plan and control over the course of history.
With all this, why stress out?
So why are you tripping? Why are you freaking out when you know God is in control of everything and He’s also busy at work organizing your life the way it should be?
Girl, the enemy of our souls is in control of NOTHING! He’s a defeated foe, yet he continues to punch. It’s like a boxer being knocked out or KO’d, yet he’s on the boxing mat swinging, kicking, and punching up into the air.
He’s not going to win! Punch as he might; the enemy won’t win with you either! Sure, he may land punches here or there, but he won’t succeed!
“God’s timing is magnificent.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita
Choose faith instead of what you see, hear, touch, or experience!
Don’t be phased by how things appear right now. It may “look” bad, but you walk by faith and not by sight. Pray. Read your Word! Keep your eyes on heaven. Focus!
As for human people…
Don’t worry if the one leading you doesn’t know how everything will come out…don’t bother with them at all. I don’t care if it’s your mate, your mom, your friend, your supervisor, or the leader of the country – don’t put your hope in them.
You trust God, Christian Woman!
Your confidence is in Him, and let me tell you, that is confidence well-placed. It’s more enduring than fresh, smooth cement. Don’t let something as wishy-washy as your emotions shake the cement of “faith.” God’s sovereign will is good and easily traced to scripture. You can count on it.
Remember Ruth and Naomi in the Bible? You may recall she was a young widow. Yet, she followed her mother-in-law (Naomi) into the “unknown”. Still, God was at work. God’s sovereign will is making sure everything goes as it should.
Ordering steps, commanding emotions, and providing all the while! He established her feet and restored her life to a place of Joy.
He can do that for you too! Will you believe it? Will you trust Him to bring life to what seems dry, crackly, and barren?
I hope so.
Lock your eyes on your Father. The heart of the king is in His hand, and He turns it in whatever way He chooses.
Don’t worry about weak, limited flesh and blood (i.e., people)….trust God’s word and His promises for you. Amen? Amen!
“….fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:2
