Can God be in charge of this mess?!? (Part 1)
Here's something many of us have been hearing recently: "Don't worry because God is in charge" or "God is in control". That's one of those natural responses when things around us seem to be out-of-control, like right now. But what does "God is in control!" really mean? To grasp that concept, we have to first accept and understand God's sovereignty. Here's the basic definition of sovereign: "A monarch; a king, queen or other supreme ruler". In other words, someone who is in charge of everything. Yup, that kind of sounds like my God. Here's a great devotional regarding this topic (with occasional interjections from me):
What is the Sovereignty of God? by Jack Zavada
The sovereignty of God means that as ruler of the Universe, God is free and has the right to do whatever He wants. He is not bound or limited by the dictates of His created beings. Further, He is in complete control over everything that happens here on Earth. God's will is the final cause of all things.
Sovereignty (Pronounced SOV ur un tee) in the Bible is often expressed in the language of kingship: God rules and reigns over the entire Universe. He cannot be opposed. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He is enthroned, and His throne is a symbol of His sovereignty. God's will is supreme.
A STUMBLING BLOCK: God's sovereignty is a stumbling block for atheists and unbelievers who demand that if God is in total control, that He eliminate all evil and suffering from the world. The Christian's answer is that the sovereignty of God is beyond human understanding. The human mind cannot grasp why God allows evil and suffering; instead we are called to have faith and trust in God's goodness and love.
GOD'S GOOD PURPOSE: The result of trusting in God's sovereignty is knowing that His good purposes will be achieved. Nothing can hinder God's plan; history will be worked out according to the will of God: Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them" (NLT). Ephesians 1:11 "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" (NLT).
The purposes of God are the most important reality in the Christians life. Our new life in God's Spirit is based on His purposes for us, and sometimes that includes suffering. Difficulties in this life serve a purpose in God's sovereign plan. James1:2-4, 12 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing ...God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him". (NLT)
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD RAISES A PUZZLE: A theological puzzle is also raised by the sovereignty of God. If God truly controls everything, how can humans have free will? It is obvious from Scripture and everyday life that people do have free will (consider Psalm 81:11-12: "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices"). We make both good and bad choices. However, the Holy Spirit prompts the human heart to choose God, a good choice. In the examples of King David and the Apostle Paul, God also works with people's bad choices to turn lives around.
The ugly truth is that sinful human beings deserve nothing from a holy God. We cannot manipulate God in prayer. We cannot expect a rich, pain-free life as touted by the prosperity gospel. Neither can we expect to reach heaven because we are a "good person." Jesus Christ has been provided to us as the way to heaven (John 14:6). Part of God's sovereignty is that despite our unworthiness, He chooses to love and save us anyway (we are saved by FAITH, not by DEEDS - J.E.). He gives everyone the freedom to accept or reject His love.
Bottom line: There are things about God and His ways that we are not capable or intended to know until His time is right. Our job is to trust Him through faith.
BIBLE VERSES ABOUT GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY: The sovereignty of God is supported by several versus in the Bible, among them: Isaiah 46:9-11, Psalm 115:3, Daniel 4:35, and Romans 9:20 "But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" (NIV)
In Part 2 of Can God be in-charge of this mess?!?, we will explore some of the questions and responses between Job (in his misery) and God. Until then, God Bless!
-John E
