On page 26, this chapter discusses one of the big things the Lord has revealed to me in a personal way this year.  I have heard these things before, and felt like I could say I understood.  But God has given me a greater understanding and peace about what I have read in this book and in another wonderful book called Hind’s Feet in High Places (which is a life-changing book, not to be missed, BTW).  Here is the part about God’s Sovereignty that I am discussing, from page 26:

“Isn’t it easier to give thanks when you realize that your Father, El Elyon, God Most High is in control and that nothing can happen in His universe without His permission? Even when we are wronged by others, we can still give thanks.  Although we have been given a free will, still God so rules and overrules that no person, angel, demon, or devil, nor any circumstance of life, can thwart His plan. El Elyon rules supremely over all.  And because He does, you can understand how all things “work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  In everything you can “give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1Thes. 5:18).

These verses I have heard my whole life.  This concept is not new to me.   The stunner for me has been putting this into my daily thinking, and truly applying this to my life.  No one is ever “getting over on me”.  No one gains an “unfair advantage” or manipulates a situation to my detriment. I may be at peace with others. Also, in the past, I have been almost paralyzed when a decision had to be made, for fear of making the wrong choice.

But I know now that God is really with me in everything.  I am called according to His purpose and I am seeking His will for me.  So He will make good of both the good and bad choices I make.  It is not to say that because of God’s presence, I cannot make mistakes; rather that, if mistakes are made, they will be redeemed as part of God’s plan.  Nothing is wasted.

I believe that though we do not always see the good, it is there.  I believe that sometimes the good in a situation may work toward someone else’s benefit more than ours.  But God’s greater plan is for all of our good…and so God’s plan is better than our own and I can accept when things go “against me”.  The Bible says “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Peace comes from knowing that God is good and that He is wise and that His way is best.  When I remember that, I am at peace and can truly give thanks in everything – what a blessing and a paradox.  Who knew that in giving up what felt like so much (the struggle to have my own way over God’s), I could gain so much more ( the freedom of allowing Him to bear the weight and burden of all the details I thought I needed to control to be happy)…maybe you knew?  How did you learn this life lesson?  Are you still wrestling with it? Is God’s Sovereignty a comfort or conflict for you?

Just a Girl…just like you!