It’s satisfying to feel like you have things under control, isn’t it?
Your agenda is set. Your emotions are in check. Your tasks are getting accomplished.
Then, living gets in the way, doesn’t it? Something or someone throws you off-kilter.
How do we get reset? How do we get back in control? Or do we? For that matter, who should be in control of our life?
God wants each of us to submit willingly to his control. Giving up control can seem relieving or scary or various emotions in between, depending on our current situations.
It helps to remember who our God is! He is benevolent. He is generous. He is merciful, loving, and faithful. The almighty God is even so much more! Let’s not forget that he is just and jealous and worthy of our worship.
God is also sovereign. He has complete authority as he rules over everything. He can handle all things – the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Because God is sovereign, we can trust his control. Romans 8:28 (ESV) says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” God called us to his purpose. His main purpose is for us to be in relationship with him and submitted to him, living for him. That means we allow him to be in control. We trust him.
Because we trust God, we do not have to fear bad news. Our “heart is firm, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7 ESV). We are steadfast in staying in his will and holding onto him no matter where he leads us. When we stumble, we humbly, and hopefully quickly, return to his ways. He disciplines in love and he works in ways we cannot see. And, we trust him.
Nothing gets done without God’s consent.
Remember the man Job who, because of his righteousness, God blessed abundantly? Satan hated their relationship. He thought Job only was serving God because of his goodness, so Satan wanted to torment Job, to turn Job from God. But, God knew Job’s heart, so he knew otherwise. God allowed Satan to take away Job’s family and wealth. After much hardship and emotional wrestling on Job’s part, God verbally proclaimed his authority over everything and everyone. Job then declared: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2, letter S for sovereign in Follow and Lead). After restoration, the gracious and generous God blessed Job more abundantly than he first had been. We can venture to say Job’s relationship with God and his understanding of God was also more abundant having gone through intense heartache.
Let’s submit fully to God’s control in our own lives, too!
Why not use Follow and Lead or Keep on Track, or Do LAPS! with your children, to practice submitting to God each day?
For a stirring and powerful reminder of this mighty and sovereign God we serve, you may also want to read Job 38-41.