Embracing (not necessarily
understanding) Sovereignty
By
Susan Klein
“Therefore
God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to
harden.”
Romans
9:18 (NIV)
Every once in awhile a verse comes along that just baffles the
mind. (The above being a likely candidate.) It seems to contradict everything
we know, and challenge our rational thinking. Therein lies the problem: God is
not rational. God is sovereign.
“Sovereignty” is a concept that’s difficult for the finite
mind to process. In fact, it’s not a word originally found in Scripture. You
won’t see it listed in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. It’s been inserted in
newer versions of the Bible for our purposed benefit. It is a word that tries
to encapsulate all the infinite qualities of God (isn’t that an oxymoron?). John
MacArthur defines it this way: “God orders everything, controls everything, and
rules over everything.” (1) Scripture says, “Our God is in Heaven; he does
whatever pleases him (Psalm 115:3, NIV), The Lord does whatever pleases him, in
the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths (Psalm 135:6,
NIV).” It is a concept the human mind can’t wrap around and the human heart
despises. We want everything to be black and white, to make sense. We also want
to think we have some iota of control. Thus, the dilemma: we are not sovereign.
The more we try to understand sovereignty, the more confusing
it can become. Did God choose me, or did I choose Him? Does it really matter if
I evangelize? Does God care what color socks I put on today? Will my moving to
another state or changing jobs be in His sovereign will? Words like “foreknew,”
and “predestined” are the source of much confusion and heated debate amongst
believers. So what do we do about this “sovereignty” thing?
I suggest we “embrace” it. If God truly is in control of
everything, shouldn’t that be more comforting than baffling? It really lets me
off the hook - - I don’t have to have all the answers. If I can embrace His
sovereignty, it should eliminate a world of worry. If I walk in faith that He’s
got my back, I can walk confidently into every situation, known or unknown. If
He’s in control of every outcome, I should never suffer through another
sleepless night wondering. Instead of trying to wrestle the control away from
Him, I can choose to embrace His sovereignty and live a life of peace. Peace is
good.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Are you wrestling with a passage or a Scriptural concept?
2. Do you question the validity of Scripture that appears
contradictory? Surrender to God, and embrace His sovereignty.
FURTHER READING:
Susan is married to
Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing,
and tutoring with the Literacy Council. Susan’s part of the Peace Team at Oakwood
and leads an on-site small group at Wednesday Night Community.
