The sovereignty of God

June. The 6th month of the year. Halfway through 2019. Despite how I might feel about how fast time seems to be going, now that it is in fact June, it’s time for the next word in our “What Does This Even Mean?” series: sovereignty.

When Cam and I prayed over these words, I had no idea what would transpire or what words I would be writing about, and if I can be completely transparent with y’all for a minute, I feel super inadequate to even speak to the idea of sovereignty in this season that I am in right now. However, I think it’s in those moments when we feel inadequate in flesh, Christ is more than adequate in Spirit and speaks through us. Nonetheless, I pray you stay with me throughout this post, because through the sound of my keyboard clicks and the silence of my tears, I am writing this for me just as much as I am for you.

As crazy as it seems that it’s already June, there have been days that have felt like they would never end. As happy and joyful as some days have been, there have been others that have been dark and confusing. I have watched as some of the people I love the most unexpectedly lost a loved one, lost a job, or lost something that’s been apart of their life for so long. I’ve watched as one day has ripped apart their entire lives. However, I’ve watched as they’ve put one foot in front of the other. I’ve watched as they’ve had to try and figure out a new normal and try to figure out what’s next.

New Years Eve, my church had an 11:30pm service to ring in the new year. It was so special to be in church with people that I love, however, I truly was overwhelmed with the idea of not knowing what 2019 would hold. On New Years Day, I saw people posting their word for 2019, with a verse to go with it. Immediately, I thought of RESTORE - 1 Peter 5:10.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

‭‭In that moment, I didn’t understand why that was the verse and word the Lord laid on my heart. If anything, it only added to my anxiousness of not knowing what was to come. However, looking back, I can see God’s sovereignty even then.

John Piper describes sovereignty as this: “When we say God is sovereign, we mean he is powerful and authoritative to the extent of being able to override all other powers and authorities.”

You see, there are powers and authorities in this life that will cause us to suffer. That’s kind of where I am right now. Suffering is painful, scary, dark, lonely - and it’s in those moments that Satan wants to sneak in and rip you of all joy that is found in Christ. Suffering comes in the form of betrayal, sickness, loss, death - and it’s through those things that Satan wants to destroy you.

BUT BECAUSE GOD IS SOVEREIGN, He is powerful and authoritative to override all of those powers and authorities. Because after we have suffered a little while, God promises to restore us. He promises to make us perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us.

Friend, I don’t know if you’re in the suffering part or the restoration part of God’s sovereignty. Personally, I’m not sure what my restoration will look like, but I know it’s coming, and so should you.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

~ Paige

P.S. There have been a few songs that have been a massive encouragement to me during this season, and I wanted to share. Leave a comment telling us what song, verse, book, or sermon that has been encouraging to you! I’m always open to suggestions and Godly wisdom and encouragement.

Even If - MercyMe

Another in the Fire - Hillsong

Living Hope - Phil Wickham