The Reality of God’s Sovereignty

Because God is sovereign, we can find peace and assurance in the midst of circumstances, hurts, injustices, and crises that otherwise would not seem to make sense to us. To say that God is sovereign means that God is in control. He rules and reigns. Dr. R.C. Sproul has pointed out that there is not one maverick molecule in all the universe!

Even sin falls under His sovereignty. He does not tempt people but He does allow the devil to tempt people. He does not cause sin because He is holy, but He allows people to sin. Everything that happens in life may not be good, but it is real, and accepting reality is a huge step in having good mental and emotional health. 

Sometimes our clients may seem overwhelmed with the massive power of Satan. They may become so focused on the idea of evil and the person of Satan that they overlook the obvious: Satan is, in a real sense, God’s devil! He can do no more than the sovereign God allows. Whatever happens to us, whether it is good or bad, God is still the same God. He never loses control. He is always ruling over people, nations, climates, etc. He is never surprised by anything that happens on this earth. He is not only aware of what is going on but He is involved in what is going on—by using His intervening power or by allowing things to happen. Either way, it is God who is over it all.

God’s great purpose on this earth is for His own glory. His people are called to glorify His name. Nature reflects the greatness of His glory. When we recognize we are not sovereign and God is, we can rest in Him and His Word. We are inspired and strengthened to seek first His kingdom. We desire to worship Him. We commit ourselves to serving Him, not because we want to get something but because we already have something: an eternal relationship with God through the new life in Jesus Christ.

How can that help a hurting person? Once we have helped them identify their thoughts or interpretations about their life and situation, then we can direct them into the great truth that God is sovereign. It is important to emphasize that it is not the sovereignty of God that should be the focus but the God who is sovereign. It is a relational way of knowing better the awesome God of creation and redemption.

If a person can believe that God is sovereign, it is enough to know that He knows. Nothing passes into our lives that has not first been sent or allowed by Him. Our hope is not in a sophisticated understanding of evil but in a clear faith in Christ Jesus. We really can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. 

Faith is a powerful force. Biblical faith in the living God is a means of grace God chooses to lead and bless His people. Whatever happens to me or in this world, God is the same God. He does not change. He does love His people, and if we go through times of testing, temptation, hurt, loss, etc., it is not without His knowledge and His care. God has a plan, and His plan will come to pass.

He has told us that we can know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. That verse (Rom. 8:28) could not be true if God were not sovereign. Since He is sovereign, we can be sure God is working out His plan through all different kinds of puzzling and even evil circumstances. 

God is sovereign. We are not. Trust Him. He knows what He’s doing, even if there are times we don’t understand what is going on.

James Rudy Gray is certified as a professional counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors, and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He serves as the pastor of Utica Baptist Church in Seneca, S.C.