Just a Thought: God will have His way; His will, will be accomplished. If this is so, why do we need to bother to do anything? Why don’t we just sit back and “let God?”

Frankly, the doctrine of sovereignty does not relieve us of responsibility. We still have ethical, moral and spiritual reasonability to hear, reason and respond appropriately to the call and commands of God in order to walk in harmony with God. However what the doctrine of sovereignty does do for us is, bring comfort and confidence that

God really is in control.

In the good times, I can only brag on Him. In the hard times, I don’t have to be “the Christian answer man” that has to explain or defend God or His actions. I can trust that God has the answers. He is all wise, not me. He is all knowing, not me. So whether it’s in prosperity or adversity, pain or joy, sickness or health, heartache or hope, when things make no sense or when they make perfect sense — He knows, He understands — He is still Master, mover, giver, receiver, originator, enforcer and provider: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Rom 11:33-36)

The doctrine of sovereignty is what gives us the peace to say, I do not control anything, but I walk with the One who is in control of everything. He will lead me and I will faithfully follow.

Dr. William Burnham is pastor of Point of Grace Church in Covington. He can be reached at burnhamw@charter.net.