Encouraging Words - Pt 1

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8 ESV). I am looking out my window and the sun is shining brightly as it is reflected off the snow covering our yard! I must say that the last few weeks in Middle Tennessee have been a thorough display of winter weather. We have had record low temperatures, sleet, freezing rain, snow, and all manner of inconveniences with that kind of weather. So, I am drawn to begin a little series that will single out an encouraging word each day. I wish I knew how many of them we’ll do, but since the Scripture is full of them, we’ll just see where the thoughts take us. Today, I am going to focus on one of the most important of the words. It is also one of the most difficult to understand. It is the word “sovereignty.” I have chosen a relatively unusual passage to get there; however, when we dig a bit deeper I think you’ll see the wisdom of going to the Epistle of James. Let me begin with a quote from James MacDonald: “God’s sovereignty is first painful, then slowly powerful, and over much time seen to be profitable. It is to be studied with great sensitivity for the experience of others and deep reverence for the One who controls the outcomes of every matter in the universe.” It has taken me a while to develop beyond the place that the sovereignty of God was more than a point of theological discussion or debate between students of the Scripture. I do remember the break-over point in the transition. I have always had a deep and abiding conviction about God’s sovereignty, but personal experience always has a way of moving it from the academic to the personal. This happened for me when I was diagnosed with an incurable blood disease. It was at this time that I understood the Apostle Paul when he wrote: Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ESV). God is in control. He is sovereign; he is in control even in our pain, even in our troubles. Through it all, his love is transforming us, perfecting us, completing us. That’s an encouraging word! Regardless of my circumstances, I can know that every experience in life is under his control and he is working it together for my great good. This life is but a path to the glory that has been secured for me in the work of Christ. Regardless of my failures or short-comings, that work is wholly dependent on Him and it will be done! Be encouraged today. Ask in faith!