Disclaimer: I like to read.  It might be better stated that I like to learn.  So, when I start a post with a quote from a historical church leader, I’m afraid it might come across as being something that it’s not.  As much as I like to read and learn, I don’t often read the works of past leaders in history.  It’s not because I don’t respect them or think their writing is of value.  I simply don’t read their stuff.  I do, however, read quotes.  And I’m starting this post off with a quote from a Bishop named Daniel Wilson who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  His words have resonated with me over and over.

God is Sovereign; he acts as a Sovereign; sovereign in power, sovereign in wisdom, sovereign in love.  He is too wise to be mistaken, too good to be unkind.  I bow to his sovereignty; I do not know why his purpose is thus and thus, but I know that all his purposes are directed by infinite wisdom, infinite mercy, and infinite justice too.  He is my Sovereign: I am brought to entire acquiescence with his will, whether it be for life or death.

–Daniel Wilson (1778-1858)

God’s sovereignty is an obvious lesson for the likes of me.  I don’t want to be told what to do.  I want to make my own choices and decide what happens to me.  Yet, I find myself being transformed into one who more readily embraces the control of a sovereign God in my life.  Just to be clear, whether I choose to accept His authority or resist it does nothing to confirm who or what He is.

[su_frame]Sovereignty: supreme power or authority. synonyms: jurisdiction, rule, supremacy, dominion, power, ascendancy, suzerainty, hegemony, domination, authority, control, influence[/su_frame]

What about you?  Are you struggling under the weight of circumstances out of your control? Have you ever been in a situation that was so stressful that you could not see a way out?

This quote is for you.  God has your situation firmly in check.

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” –Proverbs 16:33

Things are not always as they seem to be from a human perspective.  Because our hearts are turned in on themselves, we often only see the human perspective.  You may not see it now, but take comfort that God is providentially watching over you today.

He is in absolute control.  You may not understand what’s happening but trust the character of God.  God’s very character requires He act in accordance with who He is and all of His purposes are accomplished with perfect wisdom, mercy and love toward you today.

[su_service title=”Don’t confuse God’s sovereignty with your feelings. ” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#24c2f7″ size=”26″]Have you found yourself questioning God’s ways?  Wanting life to be fair in a broken, fallen world?  You’re not alone.  Many of us have asked these same questions. The most important response is turning our focus on God.  When we wonder away, we become blinded to truth, confident in our skewed perspective and opinions and we miss God-sized work that is good and right and will ultimately bring glory to God. How has God revealed Himself to you when you found asking these questions?  Did you go to Him for answers or did you look for them elsewhere?  Have you wandered away because things weren’t going your way?  I’d love to chat and hear your story!  Send me a message or leave a comment![/su_service]

You may not feel is if God’s ways are good and right.  But regardless of your feelings, rest in knowing God’s purposes include His glory and our sanctification (transforming us into the likeness of Jesus).

How often do we look back with wonder to the unimaginable power of God in the most impossible of circumstances?

Share God’s faithfulness in the comments and let’s remember the sovereignty of God.