Sovereignty

In recent weeks, I have seen a need in my life to rely on God's sovereignty. Last week I took an exam that I have been preparing for, for almost a month. It wasn't an easy task and the test itself was a challenge. I prepared through studying and talking with my college adviser regarding it. To the best of my ability, I exercised my brain powers to retain the information. Nevertheless, I went into the test with full knowledge that not only did God know whether I would pass the test or not but He also foreordained whether I would passed or not.

Many argue that if God controls all things then we are no more than robots, programmed to do whatever He pleases. But I would ask this question, "Is it wrong for the author to know the book's ending before he even picks up the pen to write?" I believe it was screenwriter Brian Godawa who pointed out this truth on a podcast from St. Anne's Public House. The author knows the outcome and the author determined the outcome yet we the readers have no issue with this fact. We trust that the writer will lead us along the story's path and bring us safely to the ending. The characters though unique and interesting derive their characteristics, actions, and thoughts from the author. They in many senses have inherent qualities or behaviors that the author himself has. Can there be any doubt that the quick wit of Elizabeth Bennett was due to the fast tongue of her creator, Jane Austen?

From the prophesies of the old testament to the visions of the Apostle John in Revelation, God has revealed that He is very much guiding and controlling the events of history. "God is not all-knowing simply because he has applied His superior intellect to a sober study of the universe and all its contents. Rather, God knows all because He created all and He has willed all. As sovereign Ruler of the universe, God controls the universe. Though some theologians have tried to separate the two, it is impossible for God to know all without controlling all, and it is impossible for Him to control all without knowing all. Like all attributes of God, they are codependent, two necessary parts of the whole" (Essential truths of the Christian Faith by Dr. R.C. Sproul, p. 46).

Thus, I had no reason to be anxious about my test (though I greatly was!) nor do people need to worry about who will win the presidential election or what will happen in Iraq or Iran. God knows and the outcome will be what brings Him glory and honor. For Christians, this is the best place to be.