The Biblical evidence of God’s sovereignty is convincing.  The verses presented this week are a small representation of many found in Scripture that prove God is most definitely on His throne. With this truth established, we need to ask ourselves some practical questions.

Since God is sovereign over everything; does this mean we have no choices in life?  Does God’s sovereign control mean we are merely His puppets on a string?   How do we live in light of the truth of God’s sovereignty?    Thankfully, the Bible gives us answers and direction.

(NIV) Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him… ”

God, in His sovereignty, created man in His own image.  He gave man a mind and free will.  He allotted him the ability to choose, the freedom to make a choice.  Often that choice is between right and wrong, good and evil.  The Bible is full of examples of men and women who made wrong, sinful choices based on their own free will.  Here are several:

Adam and Eve: Genesis 3; Abraham and Sarah: Genesis 16; Moses: Exodus 2; Aaron: Exodus 32; David and Bathsheba: 2 Samuel 11; Peter: Luke 22

All these people made bad, sinful choices and subsequently suffered the consequences of their choice; yet God allowed it all!

Only a truly Sovereign God could allow man the free will to make choices and not be undone by the outcome of that choice.

God is not afraid to give us the freedom to choose. It is His sovereignty that allows it!  Our wrong choices don’t disrupt or disturb His plans.  His control is not lost and does not waver.  He remains in charge over all.

(NIV) Isaiah 14:24 – “The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.”

(NIV) Isaiah 46:10 – “… I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

(NIV) Romans 8:28 – “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.”

God’s plan and purposes cannot be changed or thwarted by anybody’s choice or sin.  He is able to work all things out according to His good and perfect will in spite of the choices we or others make.  His sovereignty does not negate our free will and our free will does not nullify His Sovereign reign.  They are divinely compatible.  We are free to choose and He is going to rule!

So to answer our earlier questions, we do have choices in life; we are not puppets on a string.  We should live obediently, confident that all things and all outcomes are in His hands. No matter our choices, good or bad, God will accomplish His plan and it will be for our good and His glory!

~ Take it to heart ~

Our God controls the results of man’s free choice.
His purpose will stand!