Journal Entry ~ 01/16/18
1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. - Isaiah 43:1-2
Another characteristic of God that is evident in this passage is His sovereignty. No matter what we face in life, God is sovereign over it all. Sovereignty, by definition, is having supreme power and authority. He is reigning and He is in control over every single thing we encounter. He knows what’s happening in each of our lives and He promises to be there with us. And even though He has the power to stop or change it, He has chosen to allow each specific situation because He has a plan for our good in it. God has the capacity and control to accomplish His will in all things.
Scripture is filled with stories of God using people to bring about His will - He even uses people who have no belief in Him to accomplish His will. Understanding and believing in His sovereignty can shape who we are. For me, knowing He is in control of every aspect of my life has brought me such incredible comfort over the years. No matter what I am facing - from the smallest annoyance to the greatest trial - He knows and He has allowed it to happen in my life for a very specific purpose. Nothing takes Him by surprise - He’s never shocked to see what we’re dealing with. He’s known all along and it’s all part of His greater plan of redemption. That understanding leaves me free to release control and trust in Him. He knows what He’s doing. I only need to stop fearing and fighting.
Embracing His sovereignty should not only develop unshakable confidence, It should draw us to a place of humility. When we recognize His sovereignty, it should draw us to a place of submission. I live for Him. Everything I encounter, everything I do should be for His glory, not mine. I wish I could say this is always the case, but far too often, I resist His control and substitute my own. The problem is the more I take control, the more my fear and anxiety climb; the more I release control, the more peace I find. But recognizing His sovereignty over my life requires an attitude of submission and humility. So long as we’re stuck in a place where we thing we’ve got it, we will continue to struggle. We need to develop an attitude of humility, and accept the fact that whatever situation He has us in, He has determined it is what’s best for us.
Press on ~ you are loved 💗
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