David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,“Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (1 Chronicles 29:10-14)
The most critical element of prayer is faith in the sovereignty of God. He has hidden answers in every part of our lives.
Without acknowledging God, the Eternal, we will follow the ways of this temporary world. Without believing God owns “everything in heaven and earth,” we will worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (Matthew 6:31).
Without faith in the Ruler of all things, including wealth and honor, we will have to compete in this world, trying to gain the things of the world. Without acknowledging all power and strength come from God, we will rely on their own strength.
Thus, without faith in God’s sovereignty, we won’t be able to overcome the power of unbelief. Unbelief leads to confusion, restlessness, fear, and all kinds of problems in life. But if we live under God’s sovereignty, all is well.
Our God is sovereign because He is the Creator of all things: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He created us: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). And He gave us life: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). So, do not be afraid. Your life is in the hands of your Creator.
God had plans for us before the beginning of time: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Ephesians 1:4-5).
You were included in God’s family even before you were born when you did anything right or wrong! God knew you from eternity past. He called your name while you were still in your mother’s womb (Isaiah 49:1). He has set you apart for world evangelization (Jeremiah 1:5).
God has been guiding your life and will accomplish His plans for you: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
God knows everything about you (Psalm 139:1-10). He gives life and takes it away. He numbers your days on earth. He can bless or curse anyone. No one can escape from His presence. He is always with you. This is wonderful knowledge for us whom God has chosen as His own.
Everything in the spiritual realms is also under His control: heaven, hell, angels, and demons. (Luke 16:19-31). One day, everyone will stand before the judgment seat of God: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is why living in the kingdom of God here on earth is the greatest blessing of all.
History belongs to God: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). But, tragically, a majority of people live a life that has nothing to do with the covenant of world evangelization. Ask yourself how close your life is to “His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
How is then the sovereignty of God displayed in our lives today? First, God speaks and fulfills the Word:
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)
See how God accomplishes what He desires and achieves His purpose in your life throughout the day. But how? Take in your heart the Word you received during worship at your local church and pray, holding onto God’s covenant for you. And God will “answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
When this happens, you will see God’s work of salvation everywhere in your life: “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42). In His perfect time, “all who were appointed for eternal life” will believe (Acts 13:48). You will stand as Christ’s witness in your mission field like Peter and John: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
Living under God’s sovereignty doesn’t mean that we ignore our present reality. We rest under His wings, knowing that nothing will be able to consume us because the gospel is sufficient (Psalm 91:4). Early Christians risked their lives for the sake of the gospel. That’s how much the gospel was worth to them. They lived under God’s absolute sovereignty.
Remember that in everything, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). God has plans in all circumstances of your life. You are in Christ, who shattered the power of Satan, sin, and hell for you. So, begin a new spiritual challenge!
God created everything from nothing. He predestined everything according to His perfect and pleasing will. He prepares and guides everything with His divine care (Acts 17:26). He accomplishes His eternal plans in His time (Ephesians 1:11).
God always existed throughout all eternity past. Nothing exists without Him. He does not change. He is holy and transcends everything. There is nothing too hard for Him. He is present everywhere. And yet, He is our Father who loved us and sent His only Son to die for us. He lives in us through the Holy Spirit. The blessing and power of the Triune God is with you right now.
God’s greatest gift to us is salvation, the ultimate expression of His love for us (John 3:16). The power of His love sets us free from our long-standing spiritual problems and the devastating condition of destruction.
The gospel God has given to you through Christ is complete. It is secure and eternal. So you don’t have to worry about anything. Abide in the gospel. Experience the power of the gospel. Proclaim the gospel that Jesus is the Christ where Christ is not known!
Remember, God is in control (1 Chronicles 29:10-13). All we are and have is because of Him (1 Chronicles 29:14). Nothing happens by accident in the lives of His chosen. God allows every situation in your life with a specific plan. It is God who brings every person into your life. He loves you. Continue to trust Him and His plans for your life.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for choosing me in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in Your sight. In love, You predestined me to be adopted as Your child through Jesus Christ by Your pleasure and will. Help me to restore my faith in Your salvation and Your power. I ask for the spiritual strength that I may not be controlled by what I see and hear. I pray for strength from above that I may not fall into legalism, indulgence, and my spiritual problems. I desire to enjoy the gospel to the point where my spiritual condition may be healed and restored. Help me begin a new spiritual prayer, enjoying the gospel through Your Word, gaining the strength I need in my life, and painting a picture of transforming the culture of this age. In Jesus’ name, Amen.