The other day our little grandson had a big discussion with his mama about who was in charge. Theo, age 2, claimed he was the boss. His mama reminded him that she was in charge. In the middle of the discussion, Joshy, age 6, interrupted by declaring, “Actually, God is the boss!” How can you argue with that?
While we had a good laugh as a family over the discussion, it’s a great reminder. Jesus is sovereign. In other words, He’s the boss.
Scripture tells us, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2, NASB). “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My good pleasure'” (Isa. 46:10). “He (Christ) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He may have the preemminence” (Col. 1:17-18).
Even though we read these Scriptures, trust is still hard, isn’t it? His sovereignty raises questions like, “What if God’s plan for my life includes suffering? Or what if He allows suffering in the lives of those I love? Can I trust that His plans for me are always good?” I understand. I’ve wrestled with those questions myself.
When I am struggling to trust God, I remind myself of these three truths:
Jesus is good. If God were evil and sovereign, I would feel terrified! But here’s the thing: God is good. All the time. His every intention towards me comes out of the goodness of His heart. He even promises that He will work all things—even my mistakes—for my good (Rom. 8:28). As I dwell on His goodness, I find trust a whole lot easier.
Jesus loves me. So simple, yet so true. You don’t intentionally hurt someone you love. God’s not out to get me or punish me. He calls me “precious” (Isa. 43:4). He continually pursues a relationship with me. And the same holds true for you. He loves you. He’s madly and categorically in love with you. He declares you chosen, holy and dearly loved (Col. 3:12). He’s on your side, so celebrate His love today!
Jesus weeps when I suffer. One of my favorite Scriptures is John 11:35: “Jesus wept.” I, like you, need a Jesus who can crawl into my suffering and sorrow when life is unfair, when tragedy strikes and when evil threatens. Jesus understands and weeps with you when you lose a loved one, or when someone you love wrestles with cancer, or when a child is hurt. He never shames those who cry. Nope. Instead, He cries with you.
I don’t know about you, but when I find myself wrestling with trust, I return to these three truths, and my ability to trust grows. {eoa}
Becky Harling, an author, certified speaker, leadership coach and trainer with the John Maxwell Team, is an energetic and motivational international speaker inspiring audiences to overcome their greatest life challenges and reach their full God-given potential. Her most recent book is How to Listen So People Will Talk. Her husband, Steve Harling, is the president of Reach Beyond, a nonprofit organization seeking to be the voice and hands of Jesus around the world. Connect with Becky at beckyharling.com, Facebook or Twitter.
This article originally appeared at beckyharling.com.
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