There is nothing more comforting than the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. (Those are some big words that describe how God is in complete control in all circumstances). That means, what God decides to do, nothing can hinder it or stop it from happening. But what throw us off is that while He’s doing it, it seems out of control. It doesn’t seem like what He said will come true.

For example, God has determined that David would become the next king of Israel. This was the sovereign will of God that would happen no matter what anyone did. And yet, David goes through all kinds of hardships and heartbreaking moments to get there. At times, you wonder whether he would ever become king. And David even resorts to some shady tactics to avoid trouble – pretending to be a crazy man for example. (1 Sam 21:13) But nothing thwarts God’s plan. Not ominous circumstances. Not even David’s sin!

But let’s recount some facts about God’s promise to David: 1) It took a lot longer than he thought. 2) It involved some close calls – he almost died several times. 3) It was by no means automatic. David had to be fully engaged in it and exercise his faith.

If we are God’s children, we WILL become holy and become one with God in love. But it might 1) take a lot longer than we think, 2) might involve some close calls – dying or losing our faith, and 3) it is by no means easy and automatic and will take our full engagement in it and the exercising of our faith.

But God will bring it about. Even through our sins and mistakes. It doesn’t depend on us. It depends on God. Put your trust in this sovereign God who makes things a lot more eventful than we would like at times…

PH