How to Explain God's Sovereignty and the Christian Life

Living in a post Fall world has its ups and downs and can be difficult to navigate. Christians, however, have been forgiven and provided everything needed to live a God-honoring life, and they have the most incredible hope of future glory in heaven. Nevertheless, it can be a challenge to process the things that happen in the world, keeping this eternal perspective. It is hard to make sense out of the trials that mankind faces, there is war, hunger, sickness, death, strife, and pain. Christian, be encouraged, there is hope and it is found in the pages of Scripture. Learning about God’s sovereignty will help the believer face whatever God has ahead.

Sovereignty can be defined as “God’s absolute right and power to rule and exercise authority over his creation, including men; this may be displayed directly (as against his enemies like Pharoah, cf. Exodus 7–11) or indirectly in providence” (Adventure Club: The Truth About The Bible and The Trinity, page 242). God orchestrates everything based on what he pleases (Psalm 115:3) and he guides the steps of man (Proverbs 16:9) according to his plans. It is important to remember that God himself does not tempt man (James 1:13); and God does not take pleasure in the hardship or death of men (Lamentations 3:31–36). When trials come, believers must consider that God allows all things for their best (Romans 8:28). God is even sovereign over the actions of other people–actions that very often affect his children (Genesis 45:8,50:20).

Even though life’s circumstances are uncertain and at times painful, Christians should trust in God’s love and care. Here are just a couple of the many reasons why believers should place their trust in God. 

First, God’s wisdom far surpasses man’s understanding (Romans 11:33). Christians should find that they can trust God even though life’s circumstances are uncertain or painful, God’s way is perfect, and his children can take refuge in him (Psalm 18:30). God does not make mistakes—everything is ordained by God and follows his perfect plan according to his infinite wisdom. Isaiah 55:8–9 says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Christians can take comfort in the fact that the Lord wisely directs the steps of his children (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5–6).                                                                                 

Second, God loves his children, and no trial on earth can separate them from him (Romans 8:35; Ephesians 1:11). God’s love is an overarching reason the Christian should be comforted by God’s sovereignty. It’s not just that God works all things and has ultimate wisdom, it’s also that he cares personally for his own. We know this because he promises that he will not cause any trial to tempt the believer beyond their ability (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

In conclusion, the believer should cultivate an attitude of thankfulness because of what the Lord has accomplished in their life. God has provided salvation, hope, the church, every physical and spiritual need, therefore his children should be marked by thankfulness (1 Thess 5:18). When God saves his people, he does not promise a life of ease or prosperity, he does however teach believers about himself. Psalm 119:71 summarizes this well by saying, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” The Lord promises to sanctify those who are his, and it is a great gift as the Psalmist says, trials are for the Christian’s good.