When you think about "God's Sovereignty" what comes to mind?  It really feels like such an overwhelming topic at first glance.  I think for me it's fairly comforting to know God is sovereign.  At the same time, I am absolutely certain there are areas of my life I try to retain control of.  While trying to decide what on earth I might have to say about the sovereignty of God, I found a rather pointed sermon by Rev. C. H. Spurgeon from 1856 I feel compelled to share.

“There is no attribute of God more comforting to his children than the doctrine of Divine Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe troubles, they believe that Sovereignty hath ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children of God ought more earnestly to contend than the dominion of their Master over all creation—the kingship of God over all the works of his own hands—the throne of God, and his right to sit upon that throne.” – Rev CH Spurgeon 1856

 

As I read the beginning of his message, the song "He Reigns" by the Newsboys  came to mind.  I sing along with my CD all the time but do I really take to heart what those words mean?  I think most modern Christians say “God is sovereign”, but I don’t believe we live as though He is.  If I truly believe God is sovereign, what should I do differently?  What should you do differently?  What should be important to us?  Would we find the things of God more important than our own wants?  Would we be more willing to risk everything for Him and the furthering of His kingdom?  I think the next part of Spurgeon’s sermon describes most of us best:

“On the other hand, there is no doctrine more hated by worldlings, no truth of which they have made such a foot-ball, as the great, stupendous, but yet most certain doctrine of the Sovereignty of the infinite Jehovah. Men will allow God to be everywhere except on his throne. They will allow him to be in his workshop to fashion worlds and to make stars. They will allow him to be in his almonry to dispense his alms and bestow his bounties. They will allow him to sustain the earth and bear up the pillars thereof, or light the lamps of heaven, or rule the waves of the ever-moving ocean; but when God ascends his throne, his creatures then gnash their teeth; and when we proclaim an enthroned God, and his right to do as he wills with his own, to dispose of his creatures as he thinks well, without consulting them in the matter, then it is that we are hissed and execrated, and then it is that men turn a deaf ear to us, for God on his throne is not the God they love.”


Now, I don’t know about you, but that is mighty convicting.  We find God perfectly capable of keeping the planets in orbit but we disconnect at the first sign that he wants absolute authority over every aspect of our lives.  We talk about doing the will of God and then we do nothing.  We say “God had every right to flood the earth and save only Noah,” but when the rain begins to fall in our lives we question God’s plan and ultimately, His ability to reign.

In spite of how I might feel, the conclusion I’m coming to is that God is going to “get it done” with or without us.  We can balk at Him all we want, yes He’ll be disappointed and broken hearted, but we aren’t going to hinder His ultimate plan.  Whether we like it or not and whether we acknowledge it or not, He is still sovereign.  His divine plan will come to pass, the trumpet will sound and Christ will come again.  We can either accept that and get on board with God and help further His kingdom, or we can be like Satan and fight God every step of the way.  He already knows which we’ll choose but He still gives us the choice.

So if God is going to accomplish His plan with or without us, what’s the point?  Well, that’s a good question and one that only you can answer for yourself.  What is the point of you being on the earth right at this time in history?  It’s rather easy to see the Apostle Paul’s purpose and how a radical change in His life resulted in the growth of the gospel.  Yet, didn’t Judas have a purpose?  Even the Pharaoh of Egypt who refused to let God’s people go served a purpose.  God knew they would work against Him and so He used it to His advantage.  He always has the big picture in mind, always.

Whether you choose to be used by God or not, you’re a part of His Sovereign design.  The question is, will you be blessed by your choices or not?

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.   Psalm 1:1

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.  Psalm 34:8

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Psalm 40:4

O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.  Psalm 84:12

Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;  Psalm 94:12

Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.  Psalm 112:1

Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.  Proverbs 28:14

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.   James 1:12

It’s important to note that because God is sovereign, He chooses how to bless us.  That blessing may not come this side of heaven.  Sometimes allowing God to reign in our lives doesn’t bring about prosperity on earth, but not letting Him reign will guarantee we won’t be blessed in the way He desires to bless us.  We all have choices to make.  We all make those choices every day.  Even if you think you aren’t making a choice, you are – even not choosing is a choice.  Some of us want to ride the fence.  We’ll lean one way or the other depending on how we feel at the moment.  It’s like we’re trying to serve both God and man (or ourselves).  It’s just not possible.  Despite knowing God reigns over everything, many of us aren't serving Him.    Christ tells us in Matthew that “no one can serve two masters.”   So, if we have to pick one master, Joshua invites us to:

… choose you this day whom ye will serve;