I like to be in control, providing direction, making the decisions, and ensuring that the events in my life and my personal sphere of influence proceed as I see best. Drawing upon my experiences and compiled wisdom, I navigate the winding road that comprises life’s journey seeking a peaceful outcome. But of course, these statements are comprised of fallacies. First, it is pretty obvious that I am not in control. Secondly, it would seem arrogant to claim to know what is “best”. And finally, what exactly is a peaceful outcome? On the surface, it seems to be a good day when things go according to my plan. There isn’t much to challenge to the contrary. However, when things go awry, it’s a different story. Events unfold that were not anticipated, producing significant strife, worry, and pain. Seeking some temporary shelter in the community, I will suggest that I am not alone in this struggle. None of us is in complete control of our lives as desperately and foolishly as we may desire such a position. Such a conclusion necessarily gives rise to a key question.
If we are not in control of our lives, who is?
A common response would be, “Why God is, of course.” In God, we find the supreme authority to whom we can appeal in our state of uncertainty. Perhaps stated in a more complete way, we acknowledge that God is “Sovereign”. But I wonder if we really understand the implications of this yielding admission. To be sure, “Sovereignty” is a complex attribute the depths of which I don’t propose to mine in this writing. But in a quiet time contemplation, God did challenge me to consider this apparent truth as it applies to my life.
A definition
It would be important when reflecting on this attribute of God to have some idea of the definition. Noted Pastor John Piper writes,
“When we say God is sovereign, we mean he is powerful and authoritative to the extent of being able to override all other powers and authorities.”
The popular “Got Questions” Website gave this definition:
“The fact that God is sovereign essentially means that He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses within His creation.”
Finally, from A.W. Pink, we have a more extensive explanation.
“The Sovereignty of God. What do we mean by this expression? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the godhood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations” (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible”
“The Sovereignty of God” – A. W. Pink
Sovereignty Displayed
A survey of the Old Testament reveals the diversity of ways God reveals this attribute of sovereignty in accomplishing His plans and purposes. In such a survey we see exercises of decree (“Let there be Light”), precept (If you obey, blessings; if you disobey, judgment) and permission (“Have you considered my servant Job”). While the concept of “control” certainly is a part of God’s sovereignty, it unnecessarily narrows the breadth of God’s actions leading us to potentially misconstrue the ways and will of God. A more scripturally consistent description, as suggested by those previously cited, would be the possession of authority or power to direct and override all others in order to achieve the desired outcome. Nothing can thwart the plans and purposes of God.
If God did not possess such a position of authority, then He would not truly be God.
The Objection
Many will immediately identify horrific events in the checkered history of man, suggesting that such atrocities could never be associated with a loving God. I wrestle with the same questions and yet, to remove authority over such events from the hand of God immediate begs the question, “Then who is really in that sovereign position?” Consider the words of God captured by the Prophet Isaiah:
“I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.”
Isaiah 45:5-7 NASB
Based upon God’s own declaration, we are compelled to draw the conclusion that God operates at a level of understanding way beyond our own. His ways are not our ways and in that chasm of knowledge and wisdom between us, God operates to accomplish His purposes. As a young child places his complete trust in his father, so must we, in the absence of a satisfying answer to these difficult matters, trust in the God who has proven Himself trustworthy. For some, such a conclusion will mean they simply walk away from God. They cannot accept such an insufficient explanation as justification for God allowing, approving, or authorizing such occurrences of evil. But in such refusal, they are forced to continue searching for another entity who operates from a truly sovereign position that will bring a more satisfactory answer.
Jesus’ Difficult Sayings
There was that moment in Jesus’ ministry when the people perceived His teaching to be “hard sayings” and difficult to accept (Jn 6:60).
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-69
It was clear the even the disciples were confused by many of the things Jesus said and did, yet they knew who it was that was before them even as Peter articulated in his response. Does it not seem quite arrogant to conclude that as the created we should have the same level of understanding as the creator? Are we emboldened so as to demand that God justify His actions to our satisfaction? Don’t misunderstand my conclusion. I understand that challenging events in life can bring great pain, difficulty, and devastation – I will not minimize that reality. But in the journey through those trials, to whom do we turn if we walk away from the sovereign God? In the fear of the Lord, we are called to satisfaction found in the conclusion that we don’t have the mind of God. He has demonstrated a Fatherly love beyond description, and therefore must trust His plans and purposes even though we lack understanding. Peter summed it up well: “Lord, to whom shall we go?”
Irony of Control
I have heard it said that a Christian is one who has given control of their life to God. But there is great irony in such a suggestion given the earlier admission that we are in fact not in control. How can we give to God that which we don’t possess? And yet there is no denying the pretense of such power within us. There exists an internal struggle evident by our behavior which reveals an unwillingness to fully embrace God’s sovereignty, terrified that we might not agree with the path He chooses. Looking deep into the soul, we discover there remains a remnant of the Garden lie deceptively suggesting that we can be like God, that we can make the best choice apart from Him. With some level of arrogance, we demand a say in the matter. But continuing with the words of Isaiah, such self-promotion is quickly rebuked.
“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?’ or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor?’”
Isaiah 45:9-10 ESV
Having been reminded of our position, it becomes clear that it isn’t so much a matter of giving up control; rather it is recognizing the need to surrender the struggle against God and embrace His rightful place as the Sovereign God of our lives. Humbled by the truth of authority in the created order, we come to a point of submission, acknowledging that all we can do is fall on our face and cry out, “I believe. Help my unbelief.”
In a state of spiritual surrender, the roar of the struggle in the soul dies down. It is then the Lord calls us to come and stand before Him that we might hear a word. Like Elijah hiding in the cave, with the low whisper, God calls into question the condition of our hearts.
“Why are you trying to escape from My sovereignty?”
Any explanation that might be conceived regarding our reluctance to fully embrace the power and authority of our God comes up hollow. Justification of fears and doubts due to earthly threats and terrors, and all conceived enemies allied against our wellbeing are quickly diminished. Like Elijah, we realize that all earthly resources are at His command to bring about His desired outcomes. God calls us to account for our weak faith and temporary vision, that we might turn our hearts fully toward Him. With the command of a sovereign God perfectly united with the gentleness of a loving father, we acknowledge our fears and insecurities before Him. A calm to our restless souls emerges as the gentle voice of our Father speaks. For indeed we are His sons and daughters having been saved by grace through the gift of faith by the atoning work of Christ alone. It becomes clear that rather than escaping God’s sovereignty, we should be running toward it. What more intimate place can we find comfort and security but in the arms of our Father who pours out mercy, grace and love even as he orchestrates the events of our lives for His glory and our good.
Life Translation
Embracing the sovereignty of God will necessarily lead to struggles with the flesh as we pursue an expression of faith demonstrated through trust. It is important to not relegate this to an interesting theological thought exercise and have no real application to our daily lives. This attribute of God’s character is a place of refuge, solace, certainty, and confidence to which we should flee. Do we truly believe the claim that He is the only true God, sovereign over all? Do we believe we are His children, and the promises made are certain? If so, then like Elijah we must ask why we are trying to escape from such a blessing? God has a plan for our lives. He is in charge and there are things He wants to accomplish in and through us. Where is our faith in the One who has made the heavens which declare his glory? (Ps. 19:1)
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
Romans 1:120 ESV
There are those life moments when we don’t understand His ways. Perhaps at this juncture, the water is pouring over the bow flooding the ship. In the midst of the trial, we are called to stand by faith knowing He who commands the wind and the seas journeys with us as we navigate the rough waters. We are sojourners longing for the promised land where we will dwell in the presence of our heavenly Father for all eternity. But by faith, for a little while longer, we do life on this earthly plane for His glory. Run to Him, embrace and celebrate the ineffable privilege of resting in the sovereignty of God – “I AM the LORD and there is no other.”
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