THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Devotion #15 of 17

"For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and He is the governor among the nations" (Psalm 22:28); "For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:3); "One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:6); "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11)

The decision is yours, the working is God's

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD" (Prov. 16:33). You cannot escape the responsibility of making a choice. Our God will see to it that you are confronted with conflicting issues that will require a decision. That is the casting of the "lot into the lap." However, when you approach such decisions in faith, God will make the choice come out right. When Peter and the other disciples selected a replacement for Judas, they prayed that God would let them know who He had chosen. The Lord did make His choice known through their selection process. He will do the same for you (Acts 1:24-25).

Repentance is granted

"So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life" (Acts 11:17-18). This text contradicts much theology to which we are exposed. But that is of no consequence! This is not the only text that affirms this Divine working. Jesus has been exalted "to give repentance to Israel , and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31). The servants of God are to refrain from being contentious with opponents, meekly instructing them. All the while the servant labors knowing "God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth" (2 Tim 2:24-25). If God "grants repentance" our preaching and teaching is not in vain! We preach the Gospel to every creature, teaching every person, relying on divine working! God is sovereign!

Opens the door of faith

"On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27). There are vast segments of mankind that appear closed to the Gospel--much like the Gentiles of old. However, there is no restraint with the Lord! God can open those doors, giving the people access to the glorious gospel of Christ. It is time for the church to be strong in faith, praying and laboring with this in mind. The prophets of doom that cover our souls with shrouds of hopelessness must not be allowed the freedom to contaminate us! God has, in fact, "opened the door of faith" to the Gentiles, who were "alienated in their minds through wicked works" (Col 1:21). Thus the Scripture was fulfilled, "I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me" (Rom 10:20). God is sovereign!

The wicked for the day of adversity

"The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster" (Prov. 16:4). If we are confronted with wicked men, we must not despair. There may be wicked people in the church, in the government, and everywhere else. But they do not occupy the throne of the universe, God does! He is the Governor among the nations, and we must depend upon His rule. He will use the wicked, the wicked will not use Him! They are made for the day of adversity, which is also under the control of the Lord.

-- TOMORROW: HEART PREPARATION AND THE TONGUE --