Tag Archives: sovereign God

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Through Times of Trial

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 Genesis 39:19-23

When the problems of life seem overwhelming, we need someone to come alongside and help us to see our difficulties through the eyes of our sovereign God. Joseph is just such a person. Although he lived thousands of years ago, his story still speaks to us with great insight into the Lord’s purposes.

Joseph experienced a wide variety of trials—hatred, rejection, and betrayal by his brothers; loss of home, family, and freedom; false accusation and imprisonment; and the loneliness and disappointment of being forgotten. His life was a series of difficult and unfair situations, yet Scripture never records any bitterness or revenge in Joseph’s responses to all these circumstances.

Though outwardly it may have seemed as if God had abandoned the young man, He was doing some awesome work in Joseph’s heart. The Lord had big plans for him, and He knew that these trials would be the most effective tools in preparing His servant for the work that lay ahead.

As Joseph responded to each situation with faith in God and diligence in every task assigned to him, one fact became obvious to all who knew him: The Lord was with Joseph (Gen. 39:2, 21, 23).

We need to remember this when we are going through hard times: The Lord is with us even when our circumstances seem to shout that He has deserted us. We may have little control over the difficulties we face, but we each have a choice of how to respond. Joseph calls to us from out of the past, urging us to trust God.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Prayer Makes a Difference

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Charles Stanley

1 Timothy 2:1-8

After observing the godless trends in our nation, we readily recognize the need for change. But God’s solution for our predicament is surprising. Paul instructs Timothy to establish some priorities in the church, and first on the list is prayer “for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Tim. 2:2). The reason for our petitions is so that we can live tranquil and godly lives and thereby have unhindered opportunities to tell others about the Savior (vv. 2-4).

Paul wouldn’t have given Timothy this instruction unless he believed the prayers of the church would make a difference in achieving God’s purposes for their nation. Our problem is not with the Lord’s promise or capability, but with our lack of faith. By focusing on the enormity of the problems or the power of those in office, we lose sight of our sovereign God who waits for us to request His intervention.

Political policies and legislation are not ultimately determined in conference rooms and governmental chambers, but in prayer closets. The voices that shape the direction of a nation are not necessarily those that ring out in legislative halls, but those that approach the throne room of God with bold faith (Heb. 4:16). As the church believes and prays, the Lord will respond.

Knowing that God can change a country, you may be wondering why He has waited so long. Maybe He is asking you a similar question: “Why have you waited so long to pray?” Every authority on earth can be touched by the power of prayer if we are willing to ask and believe God.

 

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – God’s Word on It  

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We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. —Romans 8:28

Without a doubt, Romans 8:28 is one of the greatest verses in the Bible. It is one that is claimed quite often by believers, especially during times of hardship. And so it should be.

But let’s make sure we meet the criteria of the text: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (emphasis added). Do you love God? Are you the called according to His purpose? Romans 8:28 does not apply to you if this isn’t true of you.

There are times in our lives when things seem to be falling apart, when they don’t make any sense. Some people will say, “It is the fickle finger of fate.” Or, “Que sera, sera. Whatever will be will be. The future’s not ours to see.”

True, the future is not ours to see. But the Christian can be confident that God is in control and has a master plan for his or her life. We can know that we serve a sovereign God who is good. As I have often said, we may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.

The word used here for good does not necessarily mean that the event in and of itself is good, but that its long-term effect will be useful and helpful. It is hard for us to imagine certain things working for good. The Bible isn’t saying tragedy is good. Rather, it is saying that God can take a horrible thing and make good come as a result of it.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013