God’s sovereign will means that He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses within His creation. [1] Romans 11:33Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! [2] There is great comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and has complete control over creation. This includes those who rebel and plot against Him.
In God’s sovereign will, He determined when you would be born, your parents, and every aspect of your physical body, including the plans He has for your life. Psalm 139:16You (Lord) saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [3]
God’s Sovereignty and Pharaoh’s Dream
In God’s perfect timing, He gave a dream to Pharaoh that the wise men could not understand. I believe God did not allow these wise men to interpret the dream. Two years earlier, the Lord gave a dream to the Pharaoh’s cupbearer in prison with Joseph. Joseph interpreted the dream for the cupbearer and gave credit to God for his understanding. Just as Joseph said, the cupbearer returned to his job in three days.
The cupbearer remembered how Joseph successfully interpreted his dream and suggested to Pharaoh to have Joseph interpret his dream, which he did. Following Joseph’s story, you can see God’s sovereign hand in each step of his life.Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” [4]
God’s Sovereign Will and Your Life
It was not an accident that the Father sent His Son, Jesus to die for our sins on the cross. In addition, it is not an accident the Lord called you to faith. Yes, we have free will, but in God’s sovereignty, He is always at work in our lives, doing more than we know.
Jesus is the good shepherd, always looking after His sheep to guide and direct them. In the Scriptures, we are called the sheep of His pasture. Without a shepherd, sheep would be vulnerable to predators and have difficulty finding food and fresh water. With God’s sovereign will working in our lives, the Holy Spirit prompts people to place their faith in Jesus.
The Holy Spirit also convicts us of sin as part of God’s sovereign will. The Lord does not override our free will; at the same time, He gives ongoing guidance and provision. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [5]
To learn more about God’s sovereign will, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/raised-to-leadership
[1] https://www.gotquestions.org/God-is-sovereign.html
[2-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.