Sovereign God

I was watching a preacher on television yesterday and this is my take on his topic. I hope it encourages you and brings you a measure of peace!
As a Christian my parents have taught me that our God is a Sovereign God.  So what does a “Sovereign  God” mean? First of all it means God is supreme, for by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians: 1:16) To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God, 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 hold back His hand or say unto Him what have you done? (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 counsel or thwart His purpose.  (Psa. 135:5-6). 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 pleases 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).
I know that is a lot but read it again…it is powerful…in plain terms (and with the scripture to back it up) God is in control of everything…all the time…everywhere. Now I know that for some people this is controversial. Does this mean that God makes bad things happen to the creatures he loves and cares for? NO!  The horrible and tragic and sad things that happen in this world are due to the choices made a very long time ago…at the time when God allowed the free will of Adam and Eve to be executed. 
What I really want to talk to you about is I believe that we serve a Sovereign God…that every act on this earth God either chooses or allows for fulfilling His purpose.  God is not surprised by anything or stands in awe of anything. And He works everything out for those who love and serve him.  For example take the story of Joseph.  Joseph had eleven brothers but he was chosen by God, he was special. And God told Joseph’s father that Joseph was special. But Joseph couldn’t help himself…just like all siblings…he had to let his brothers know that he was special…youthful pride.  They became very jealous of Joseph and plotted to kill him. When it came time to kill him, though, they rethought the matter and instead sold him to some traveling merchants and he was sold as a slave.  Then because he did not submit to a woman who was wooing him he was thrown into jail for thirteen years…punished for doing the right thing! He was a man who was deserted by his family and forgotten by those he helped.  But while he was in prison “the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” …”the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did” (Genesis 39:21, 23b).  As the story continues God put circumstances in place to where eventually Joseph was placed in charge of Egypt. He saved the whole of Egypt from famine and saved his family…read Genesis 30-50. And in Genesis 50:19-20 Joseph sums up a Sovereign God…people have free will to harm and hurt others but God has the power to overcome all bad, evil, or malicious acts…”and Joseph said to his brother, ‘Am I not where God intended me to be!? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.”
God is Sovereign…he is all powerful and in control. He is the past, here in the present, and has designed our future. So we have to trust him in all things…from the biggest to the smallest. Does he know your family member is sick, your husband is out of a job, your teenager is on the wrong path, the economy is bad, the skies are polluted, and there are starving people? Yes, yes, yes! And he is protecting us and providing for us and giving us strength even if it doesn’t seem like it today! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). God’s shoulders are broad enough to carry all our troubles, problems, and tragedies. He is strong enough to carry ever the heaviest of burden.  He is powerful enough to battle the most furious of battles and be victorious over the worst wars.  Know this, declare this and speak this! Because we know and believe that God is Sovereign and ultimately all things are under his control here are is something to help…
·        Concerning the past, I can replace bitterness with blessings
·        Concerning the present, I can replace fear with faith
·        Concerning the future, I can replace worry with worship
Again, as I said at the beginning of this post, I hope that this starts you on a new or renewed journey of peace…
“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast for he puts his trust in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7

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