sovereign

TRUST IN THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

by

When we say “God is sovereign,” we mean God controls every event, every outcome in history. Nothing escapes His notice or approval, and everything works for His own glory and purposes. This is clearly the psalmist’s understanding in Psalm 115:3: “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”

Solomon states it like this in Proverbs 16:4: “The Lord works out everything for His own ends…”

When God closes a door, no man can open it; when God opens a door, no man can close it. When God chooses to protect us, nothing can harm us; when he sends calamity, no man can avoid it. God controls every event, every outcome in history. Nothing escapes His notice or approval, and everything works for His own glory and purposes.

With these things in mind we can learn some invaluable lessons:

  • The safest place in the universe is in the will of God.
  • Resting in the sovereignty of God will result in a fruitful life because we will be in the center of God’s will.
  • Resting in the sovereignty of God will make our life more exciting.
  • Resting in the sovereignty of God will free us from worry.

HEALING IN RUSSIA

by

While I was a seminary student, the guest speaker for one of our chapel services was the late Dr. Bill Bright (1921-2003), founder and President (at that time) of Campus Crusade for Christ (now simply known as Cru).

Dr. Bright shared with us an incident that took place in what was then communist Russia (the early 1980s). It seems Dr. Bright was visiting a hospital, accompanied by faith healer Ernest Angley (not sure why they were together — an unlikely duo to be sure!).

Their communist “escorts” threw out a challenge: “Does Jesus Christ heal today?”

Bill and Ernest answered in the affirmative — and were then escorted to three boys, all of whom were both mute and deaf. The Russians said,

“You’ve got five minutes to prove your faith in Jesus is real and powerful.”

Five minutes later, these atheistic Communists came back — and all three boys were healed! Those men ended up coming to the United States and visited CCC headquarters at Arrowhead Springs, CA!

Here’s my point: When it suits God’s sovereign, loving purposes, He heals. Likewise, when it suits His sovereign, loving purposes, He may choose not to.

When we encounter sickness, we can (and should) pray for restoration in the Name and authority of Jesus. His response will always be one of mercy and compassion, regardless of what form His answer takes.