God's Sovereignty

Sovereignty is a much-debated topic in the church today. It brings to mind questions like,

• Does God’s sovereignty eliminate our free will?

• If God is sovereign, why does he allow evil in the world?

• How do we even define sovereignty?

• How tightly does God control the cosmos?

• Does God "change" his mind?

I can think of others; you probably can as well.

You might think it surprising that the Bible does indeed hold the answers to all of these questions (and many more). In the Scriptures we find many stories of how the sovereignty of God intersects with the lives of men and women. Hidden in plain sight to the careful and attentive listening reader are the answers to the why, how, and what of God's sovereign plan for humanity.

One revealing story is that of Joseph found in the book of Genesis. A cruel betrayal by his brothers leads Joseph into slavery, suffering, and prison time. After all of this, which the Lord used to humble and exalt Joseph, he finds himself in the high political position of second to Pharaoh in the Egyptian government.

And then, in God’s sovereign timing, Joseph encounters his brothers, the very ones who had betrayed him many years before. As his brothers became aware of who they were standing before - probably with knees knocking - Joseph speaks the following words to them, words that give us some good insight into the nature of God's sovereignty,

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. ¹

What are some of the things we see from this short conversation?

• Joseph realized his place was not in running the universe; he knew he was not God and not capable of that.

• Joseph realized that his life was not just about him; there was a bigger picture in view here. God was setting in place the saving of the lives of many others.

• Joseph didn’t fluff off his brothers’ evil intentions, he acknowledged them. They were culpable for their self-centered actions, and he forgave them.

• God knew all that was going to happen to Joseph before time began, and Joseph believed that truth. God intended good knowing what would happen to Joseph. Nothing had changed from God's perspective.

• Secure in God’s love for him and the power of the Almighty's sovereign grace, Joseph then showed grace to those who intended to destroy him. This points us to the greater story of redemption and is one more note in the biblical symphony of amazing grace.

The next time you wonder about what God is doing in your life during very difficult circumstances, consider Joseph’s life and know your life serves a greater purpose than you might imagine or see right now. Your life in Christ is a continuation of the redemption's story and is for your eternal good and the good of others. 

Remember Paul's words to us from his letter to the Romans,

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²

From God's perspective, nothing has changed - his plan for your life as his child is still on track and you can hold to the same confession that Joseph held to: "What was intended for evil my God has intended for good; for my good to his glory."

References

¹ Genesis 50:19-21 NIV

² Romans 8:28 NIV