GOD Turns The Pages

As members of a democratic society rife with individualism, Americans have difficulty understanding God as an absolute ruler. Did we not reject living under a sovereign ruler when the American Colonies revolted against the king of England? Why should we be subject to anyone now? Yes, we Americans love our independence and freedom.

We do pay homage to our superstar heroes, especially in entertainment and sports, but only as long as they produce astonishing performances for us. Other great champions quickly replace them.

With the decline in the belief of absolute truth, we tend to argue and debate from emotion rather than reason. “How does that make you feel?” has replaced, “What do you think about that?” The long-held conviction in the Church that the chief end of mankind is to glorify God has been supplanted by the belief that the chief end of God is to make us happy. We compromise God’s moral standards and consider it a virtue.

But we cannot argue, debate, or negotiate with God, the King of the universe. If He is truly the Lord of our lives, and we are His true disciples, we say, “Yes, Lord!” Saying “No, Lord” is a contradiction of terms for the true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Please, fellow believers, do not follow the teaching of some who say that if you have enough faith in God, or if you repeat the name of Jesus, or quote a formula of phrases or Scripture verses, then you will get all your prayers answered with a “yes.” We cannot force God to do things our way. God alone is sovereign. He loves us but He does not share His sovereignty with us. Sometimes in His wisdom and sovereign plan, His answer to our prayers is “no” or “wait.” Our position is to trust, believe, and obey, not to demand.

Does that mean we have no say with our sovereign God? Of course not! He does not consider us His puppets or slaves. He made us as free moral agents with minds, wills, and emotions. He will not force His love and plans upon us against our wills. Within the context of His master plan, God gives us the freedom to choose. This is a hard concept to grasp. Let me explain with an illustration. A few days ago, I flew to Dallas. I had complete freedom to get up and walk around on that jetliner. I could go get a magazine or talk to my fellow passengers. I could take a nap or make a telephone call. I had complete freedom—within limits. However, I could not alter the plane’s course. That plane was going to Dallas!

Our relationship with God is like that. We are not robots mechanically programmed to follow His decrees. God has a course for us that has been charted before the beginning of time. God assures us in His Word: “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:10, NIV). His master plan for history will be accomplished, whether we choose to work with Him or follow our own stubborn way. Although He allows us to choose and suffer the consequences of our choices, He never relinquishes control of the plans to accomplish His purposes. God turns the pages of history; we do not. As you read the following truths about God’s sovereignty, ask God to show you how you can restore a sense of His majesty in your life and what He wants you to do to obey Him.

By Bill Bright

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