“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Introduction
Life often presents uncertainties, challenges, and moments of deep frustration that leave us questioning if anyone is truly in control. As believers, we are called to trust in the sovereignty of God, but what does that really mean? How can we confidently rest in the assurance that God governs all things? Before we can fully embrace this truth, we must answer critical questions: Is God truly sovereign? How much control does He actually have? If He is not in complete control, then who or what is? Most importantly, how can we grow in our trust that He orchestrates everything for His divine purpose? By exploring these questions through the lens of Scripture, we will gain a deeper understanding of God’s supreme authority and find peace in His unshakable rule over all of life’s circumstances.
Is God Really in Control?
The concept of God’s control over everything is known as His sovereignty. Nothing gives us greater strength and confidence than understanding this divine truth. God’s sovereignty means His complete and independent authority over every creature, event, and circumstance at every moment in history. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent, God does what He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. He governs every molecule in the universe, and everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His own perfect purposes.
Isaiah 14:24 affirms this: “The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand.’”
Nothing in life is random or by chance, especially in the lives of believers. God has deliberately resolved to do what He will, and nothing and no one can stand in His way. Isaiah 46:10 further declares, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” This is our powerful and purposeful God who is in control of everything. Recognizing this truth should bring us great comfort and alleviate our fears.
How Much Control Does God Have?
God’s complete sovereignty contradicts the idea of open theism, which suggests that God does not know the future and must constantly react to human actions. This perspective diminishes God’s omniscience and places human free will above His authority. However, Scripture teaches that God actively governs all things, and nothing happens outside His knowledge and control. Daniel 4:35 declares, “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: ‘What have you done?’” No human will can override the sovereignty of God.
Some may believe that Satan has a degree of control over life and that God constantly revises His plans to counteract Satan’s actions. However, the Book of Job illustrates that Satan can do nothing without God’s permission. When Satan challenged Job’s faithfulness, God allowed him to test Job, but only within strict limits (Job 1:6–22). Satan could do nothing beyond what God permitted. This demonstrates that God remains fully sovereign even over the actions of the enemy.
God’s Sovereignty in Christ’s Redemption
Satan knew from the Old Testament that God’s plan was for Jesus to come, be betrayed, crucified, and resurrected for humanity’s salvation. If there were any way to prevent this, Satan would have done it. Yet, every prophecy concerning Christ was fulfilled exactly as God had planned. Acts 2:23 states, “Jesus was delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” No action by the Romans, the Pharisees, or Judas could thwart God’s predetermined plan.
Ephesians 1 affirms that believers were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. This means God sovereignly wove together Satan’s rebellion, Adam and Eve’s sin, the fall of humanity, and Christ’s crucifixion—all seemingly tragic events—to bring about salvation. This is a perfect example of God working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
How Can We Trust in God’s Sovereign Control?
The only way to trust in God’s sovereignty and rest in it is to know God. Knowing His attributes and His past works builds confidence in Him. Daniel 11:32b states, “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Imagine if such power resided in an unjust or indifferent god. But we rejoice in our God’s sovereignty because it is overshadowed by His goodness, love, mercy, compassion, faithfulness, and holiness.
However, we cannot trust someone we do not know. The only way to know God is through His Word. There is no magical prayer or shortcut to spiritual maturity. It requires consistent, diligent study of Scripture. The Bible is the single source of truth that transforms our hearts and minds. If we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, His sovereignty will become clear to us, and we will rejoice in it. We will come to know intimately and trust completely the God who controls all things for His perfect purpose.
Conclusion
Trusting in God’s sovereignty does not mean denying life’s difficulties but rather resting in the certainty that He is working all things according to His perfect plan. He is not a passive observer but the active ruler over all creation. Neither Satan, human free will, nor worldly chaos can challenge His authority. The key to trusting God is knowing Him—through His Word, His faithfulness in history, and His unchanging character. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we will not only trust Him more but also find strength and peace in His sovereign plan. Therefore, let us anchor our faith in His promises, delight in His Word, and live with confidence, knowing that He is always in control.
Stay blessed!
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