“When we go into a new location, a different situation, or a new community of people, we often experience anxiety. This natural anxiety is the result of the limits of our understanding and personal power when we enter a place we don’t yet know or an experience we’ve never had.”- Paul David Tripp
“For his dominion is an everlasting dominion and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth as accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’ “- Daniel 4:34b-35
As Paul David Tripp moves on in Chapter 11 of Suffering, he comments on the words spoken by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. Pastor Tripp describes the passage as containing words of surrender and glorious hope. Especially for people struggling through hardships and disappointments. Therefore, the author uses this passage to unpack the practical, life-giving hope God’s sovereign rule offers to all His suffering children. Today Pastor Tripp unpacks the first two principles:
1. God’s rule stretches from before origins to beyond destiny. There’s never a moment in history – past, present, or future – that’s out of God’s control. However, we may not think that appears to be true. In addition, we may argue with how God does it. Yet, every second of our lives falls under His sovereign management.
The words in Daniel 4 paint a huge contrast between God and us. We need to let those words sink in, Pastor Tripp exhorts.
2. God’s rule is global. When we encounter something unexpected, our minds race and our hearts beat a little faster. But, here’s where God’s global sovereignty is so precious. Since your story will take you to places you never expected to go, Pastor Tripp offers these words of encouragement:
“Wherever your story takes you, you’ll never arrive there first, because your Lord is already there in sovereign presence and prayer, and he rules that place in infinite wisdom and holiness. He has the power to do what he wills, and the way he rules is always right.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you realize the limits of your understanding and personal power? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “What God’s sovereignty guarantees”