God is sovereign. That means that God exists in and of himself and has no needs outside of himself. The sovereignty of God also means that he is the supreme authority and all things that exist and events that happen exist and happen under his control and with his permission.
In Southern Baptist life, even the sovereignty of God is sometimes a flash-point for an argument, but that is unfortunate. When we speak of God’s sovereignty only in relation to salvation, we miss the most reassuring aspect of God’s sovereignty.
God is in control. God doesn’t just exercise some control. God is in control. Complete control. Full stop.
There is nothing in the universe that exists outside of God’s control. All that is, has been, or ever will be is subservient to the Sovereign God of the universe. And that is a good thing.
Why is it good? Because whatever you have going on in your life today, you can face it will the full knowledge that God is not surprised, he is not overwhelmed, and he is still in control.
Because God is in control, Romans 8:28 can be true: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Because God is in control, you can claim 1 Corinthians 10:13 in the face of temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Because God is in control, you can cling to your salvation with confidence that no one can snatch you out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29).
Because God is in control, you can proclaim the gospel with confidence that he will save all who call upon his name (Matthew 1:21, Romans 10:9; 13).
God is sovereign, and those shouldn’t be fighting words. Instead, God’s sovereignty should be the most comforting words in the world to you. God is in control, and that is a good thing. When the world seems to be spinning wildly without restraint, take heart. The God who spoke the world into being has not left. He is the Alpha and the Omega and you can trust him.
I’m not in control. I am weak and often weary and overwhelmed. I don’t need to be in control. I need assurance and salvation. I need to be held and restrained. I need to be comforted and consoled. I need to be reprimanded and sanctified. I need to be reminded and rebuked.
God is in control and that is good and right.
