God Is Still in Control

Section 1: God

Week 4: God Is Sovereign Over and Active in the World

Day 3: God Is Still in Control

Eph. 1:1-14

The biblical picture of God’s control over his creation is pretty expansive. We, for example, often think of events in nature as resulting from purely natural causes. But a number of passages suggest these events are ultimately caused by God. For example, Ps. 135:7 says “He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.” Similarly, Matt. 5:45 says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Events we perceive as purely random are also said to be determined by God. For instance, Prov. 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Even human decisions are said to fall within God’s sovereign control. Prov. 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he turns it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”

Those passages list specific areas that are under God’s control. A number of passages, however, broaden their scope and seem to say everything that comes to pass ultimately falls within God’s plan. Take Rom. 8:28, for example: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (emphasis added). Eph. 1:11 describes God as the one “who works everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (emphasis added).

Challenge:

Think back on the day you had yesterday (or today if you’re reading this in the evening). List all the things that happened. Be as detailed as you can.

Reflection Questions:

Do you feel better knowing that God planned each and every one of those details? Or does it make you feel uncomfortable? Why?