The Lord and Us
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 25-27; Acts 16; Psalm 18
I’m convinced that the way I write and talk about this subject is completely dissatisfying to most people who hear or read what I have to say. People tend to fall on one side or the other when it comes to the question of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. It’s often presented as either all God or all man — but I don’t believe it’s that simple.
First, let me be clear: I believe God is sovereign in all things. Period. I can’t escape the way Scripture speaks about it, nor can I evade the logic of it.
But that doesn’t mean people don’t make real decisions and do real things that are woven into God’s purposes. God doesn’t turn people into puppets, yet everything we do — every choice, every action — somehow fits within His plan.
You might demand that I explain how both of these things, which at first glance seem contradictory, can be true at the same time. But I don’t feel obligated to satisfy that demand — not for you, not for me, not for anyone. I’m comfortable with mystery.
As Scripture says, “The secret things belong to the Lord.” How Joseph’s brothers could sell him into slavery — a wicked act — and yet God used it to get Joseph to Egypt to save his brothers later… I can’t explain it.
Or how the religious leaders could conspire to crucify Jesus — a horrific, unjust act — yet it was all part of God’s predetermined plan of redemption. That’s beyond my comprehension. But I accept it as reality.
That’s why, when I read Acts 16, where Paul goes to Philippi, heads down to the river to pray, and starts sharing the gospel with a group of women — and yet it’s God who opens Lydia’s heart to listen and believe — I’m at peace with it. Paul made real choices about where to go and who to talk to. God made real, sovereign decisions about who would hear, believe, and be saved.
I hope I’m not confusing the matter. If you’re looking for a neat, tidy explanation that fits in a chart or diagram, I’m probably not the guy to talk to. But I am at peace — peace that comes from knowing I’ll make decisions — good and bad — and yet God will work through it all to accomplish His good purposes.
And I trust that’s enough.
