Because God is Sovereign

Like many missionaries, Gladys Hillman raises money to fund her work. She trusts God to lead her to people who will give financial gifts to the ministry on her behalf so she can be paid. Cru missionaries refer to these funds as support. During an especially difficult time when her finances were tight, she learned a powerful lesson about God’s sovereignty. 

Sovereignty is a phrase associated with royalty. Kings and queens rule over their kingdoms, creating order and providing opportunities for their citizens to succeed. 

We serve an even greater, unseen sovereign. He rules over all of heaven and earth, and His majesty is on display throughout creation. When the stars shine bright on cloudless evenings and when panoramic vistas take our breath away, we see His regal splendor. 

David asks, “Who is this king of glory?” And then he answers his own question. “The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.” David continues, “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.”

God is completely in charge of all the events that come into and out of our lives to accomplish His divine plans. We can trust that His plans will work together for our good even if we can’t see how they’re going to work out.

Because her support was especially low, Gladys wondered if God wanted her to leave Cru. But in her heart, she didn’t want to go. While praying about this, it was as if God said to her, “Do you really believe I can provide this $5,000 for you? Haven’t I provided all of these years?”

“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “but how do you want to do it?”

“Will you trust me even if you can’t see how I’m going to do it?”

Watch how Gladys learned about God’s sovereignty, how He can do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond what she could ask or think: The check is in the mail.

Questions:

1. When God is in control, that means you and I are not. Does the thought of not ultimately being in control of your destiny frighten you? 

2. How do you know you can trust Him? Will He ever use His power to hurt you? 

3. Read Psalm 24. If you know that God controls every detail of your life, how interested are you in submitting to His will? 

4. Can you think of a time where you experienced God’s sovereignty? What happened? 

5. Because God is sovereign, I will joyfully submit to His will. What do you think about this statement? Does it make sense to you? How can you do this in the coming week? 

Meditate on this truth and memorize it:

Because God is sovereign, I will joyfully submit to His will.