Sovereignty of God
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world – Acts 15:18
Perhaps you have known, even recently, the unsettling and sorrowful experience of receiving a phone call, or a doctor’s report, or an employer’s notice that delivered unexpected and tragic news — “Your loved one has been in an accident.” “You have cancer.” “We’re letting you go.” No matter what form these moments take in our particular situation, they always remind us of our personal frailty and inability to control the details of our lives.
The great consolation from God’s Word, however, is that God never has such moments. He is never surprised by calamity that befalls us, he is never taken back by sudden tragedy, his plans are never disrupted by the unexpected. In short, he is never at a loss for a solution to any problem… or for the power to implement it… or for the wisdom to make sure it is the right solution.
God knows all his works (and subsequently, obviously, the events those works will be connected with) from the beginning of the world. It is for this reason that God can, and does, give us such rock-solid assurances in the midst of earth-shattering catastrophes. “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5); “my grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9); “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans8:28); “the trying of your faith works patience” (James 1:3).
Beloved, in your moments of overwhelming pain, or grief, or disappointment, flee to the God who is never disappointed or surprised, but is touched by the feelings of your infirmities. Rush to him, rest in him, believe on him.