. . . wherever we are, whatever we are going through, God is so near that we can reach out and touch him. . . . His sovereignty guarantees that God is reachable in those moments when you think there’s no helper who can reach you with what you need.”- Paul David Tripp
“From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him — though he is not far from anyone of us.”- Acts 17:26-27
Paul David Tripp concludes Chapter 11 of Suffering with the final three principles of practical, life-giving hope God’s sovereignty offers.
3. God’s rule is individual and detailed. First, Pastor Tripp relates that Acts 17:26-27 represents one of his all-time favorite Bible passages. For, he states, the apostle Paul wants us to know that God’s sovereignty consists of much more than a ‘big event’ rule. Rather, God not only cares about, but is involved with, every detail of our lives.
Furthermore, while Paul certainly believes in God’s transcendent sovereignty (God exists above all), here in this passage Paul teaches the truth of God’s immanent (His nearness) sovereignty.
4. God’s rule is an expression of His character. Since His sovereignty is an expression of His character, it’s a huge comfort. Thus, God’s rule expresses, rather than contradicts, His love. Because God’s character tempers, directs, and expresses His sovereignty, you can rest assured in God’s trustworthiness.
5. God rules for our benefit. God rules not only for His own glory, but also for our benefit. As a result, through His benevolent and redemptive rule, He remembers:
- us
- every promise He’s made
- what we need
- what we’re going through
- the broken, groaning world He’s left us in
- what it’s like to walk in our shoes
Today’s question: What Scriptures reinforce what God’s sovereignty guarantees? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A personal appointment with God”
