The Sovereignty of God

Daniel 4:35 – “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”

Who is ultimately in control of our individual lives and destinies, as well as nations and international affairs? Does the future of the world depend only upon the military and governmental super powers? Does the devil have the ability to do as he pleases? The Bible is clear on this matter. God is sovereign, meaning that He is supreme in power, dominion, and authority. God is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. He exercises absolute authority over Satan and his kingdom. Before Satan could get to Job, he had to get God’s permission. God is sovereign, and He rules in the affairs of men and nations. Because God is sovereign, His Word is to be the final authority.

For many people, the God they claim to know and love is a creation in their own minds. They have fashioned their own idea of what God should be like. Some want God to be there when they need help but are not interested in His dominion or Lordship. They say their God will one day take them to Heaven, but they do not think He is concerned with their selfish and immoral lives. That is a form of idolatry.

God’s Word reveals the character and will of Almighty God. Our responsibility is not to debate and seek to change His sovereign will, but to take heed to it. Because He is sovereign, we are to obey His will. We must take His commands seriously. God may permit things in our lives that we find difficult and seemingly unreasonable, but because God is sovereign, we know that His will is right and best for us. By faith, we submit to God’s perfect will.

The fact that He is sovereign means that He is in control of all things, including those things which make their way into our lives. He permits every trial and measures its intensity, as well as its duration. Some resist God’s supremacy and authority like those in Jesus’ day who said, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). We gladly and sincerely submit to His authority and will for our lives. The winds and the waves obey His command. Should we not do the same?