God, His Sovereignty and Providence Part 2

In Part 1 we ended by saying when used of God, the word providence takes a whole new, powerful and dynamic meaning by which God works in all events and happenings in the universe to accomplish the purpose of His mind with complete knowledge and total control of all things. In His providence, God works all things according to the counsel of His will [Ephesians 1:11].

When we look at the sovereignty of God, we find that we have questions regarding evil and Wayne Grudem says something interesting when he talks about the problem of evil in his Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Theology. He says, ‘If we were to say that God Himself does evil, we would have to conclude that He is not a good God and righteous, and therefore that He is not really God at all. On the other hand, if we maintain that God does not use evil to fulfil His purposes, then we have to admit that there is evil in the universe that God did not intend, is not under His control, and might not fulfil His purposes. This would make it very difficult for us to confirm that “all things” work together for Good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose [Rom. 8:28]’. 

If I were to paraphrase Romans 8:28, I would say “all things are being worked at under the will, control and sovereign power of God for the good and unknow outcome to man for his benefit because he loves God and the appearing of His glory”. I say this because it seems like things are working by themselves when we say “all things work together for good”. This is why I like this New Living Translation of this verse, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them”. 

One of the clearest passages that teach us about the sovereignty of God and how He uses evil and yet does not sin Himself and neither is to be blamed is the story of Joseph. We may be tempted to think that God was just a simple responder but Genesis 50:20 says it to the contrary. “You intended harm to harm me, but God intended it all for good” [NLT]. The text does not say God changed or turned the evil into good. It says He intended for it to bring out good. In the case of Joseph, it was the saving of the children of Jacob [Genesis 50:20-21]. To show that Joseph knew the intention of God for him, he said to his brothers, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” [Genesis 45:5, KJV]. 

All along Jacob like us when we are in difficult circumstances did not know what God was doing in His sovereign will and power. He though everything was against him but God was not. He said, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me.” [Genesis 42:36]. But God was not against Jacob, He was working all things for his good and his joy. 

Romans 8:18-34 are love verses meant to help and encourage us know that God is with us even during this time of Covid19. Where many are seeing doom, those that know their God will do great exploits and find new ways of reaching out to people while they can be found in the comfort of their homes. Knowing God’s designs, the Lord Jesus said temptations are necessary; “… For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!” [Matthew 18:7].

Were you ready to give up because of the many trials in your life? Do not give up, do not lose hope because He promised to never leave you or forsake you. He is in control and has a good plan for you. You just do not know it yet. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” [2 Corinthians 4:16-17].

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About The Author:

Pastor Sam Machacka is co-founder of Brink Ministries Southern Africa. A wonderful colleague and good friend. Equipping Pastors and Church leaders in Southern Africa. He grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe with his beautiful wife Mildred and they are blessed with three lovely children namely Samantha, Munashe and Joshua but they are now serving as missionaries in Malawi since August 2018.