God's Sovereignty Always Trumps Circumstances

I'm nearing the end of the book of Job as part of a chronological reading plan a group of men in our church began at the start of 2013.  Without "beating around the bush" let's say it as it is.  Job is one of those books where halfway through you are tempted to walk away and shout, "enough already!"  From Job's "friend's" ridiculing comments to the "in your face" reminder of the brevity of life, it's tempting to skip a few paragraphs...or chapters.  Don't!  We need the repetitive reminders, regardless of how painful it is to read.

We need to read about how Job's worst fears became a reality for him (Job 3:25).  We need to acknowledge the reality that life is hard and the routines of life often seem futile (Job 7:1-3).  We need to revel in Job's wonderful sarcasm in Job 12:2 (one of my favorite verses in the whole book) and cheer his outright rebuke of his friends in Job 16:2.  We need to shout "amen" as we read the age-old question asking why the wicked seem to prosper (Job 21:7).  More than anything we need to marvel at the little nuggets of truth sprinkled throughout the book regarding the incredible sovereignty of God. 

Over and over again we read about God's amazing knowledge (21:22), His power (Job 9:8) and His omni-presence (Job 36).  Each of these nuggets of truth are sandwiched between two earth-shattering statements; one in the first chapter and one in the last chapter.

After Job literally lost everything in his life he responded by saying, "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!" (Job 1:21)  All I can say is, "wow!"  The book could have ended right there but it doesn't.  41 chapters later we read Job's pronouncement of God in Job 42:2: "I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

What's the lesson of Job's ridiculously harsh suffering?  God's sovereignty always trumps our circumstances.  It doesn't matter if we are "on cloud 9" or in the deepest darkest days of depression.  God still reigns! 

Near the middle of last year I was scheduled to preach on what God's Word says about pain and suffering (listen here).  In God's providence, four days before I was to preach that message I sat in the doctor's office with my wife as she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  As we stared at each other in disbelief the message of Job was still reverberating in my head: God's sovereignty always trumps our circumstances.  It was true for Job.  It has proved to be true for me and my family.  It is true for you.  No matter how deep the pain, how raw the wound...God is in control.  His purposes cannot and will not be thwarted!

Here's my wife, describing her journey at our 2012 Fall Women's Retreat:

The Big Ten

This past Sunday at Geist Community Church I revisited a sermon series for the second time in under three years.  (The series is available here) Why would I review the same sermon series twice?  It's THAT important!  We live in a world that is attempting to redefine and/or eliminate truth.  Everything from the definition of "marriage" to defining when "life" begins seems to be up for grabs.  Yet, as we again begin a new year it is vital that we be reminded that truth never changes.

The great D. L. Moody once said "the best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it."

The Bible is our "straight stick."  Every decision, every thought, every action, every word must be held alongside the unchangeable, perfect, infallible Word of God.  With that in mind, there are 10 unchangeable truths (the "Big Ten") that you MUST believe if you're going to call yourself a Christian.  These truths are non-negotiable, life-changing truths.  Remember them, uphold them, proclaim them, take a stand for them.

Truth #1: The Bible - is God's Word, inspired by God, without error in the original writings and the final authority for faith and life

Truth #2: The Trinity - There is one true God who eternally exists as three divine persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each of whom is equally and fully true God.

Truth #3: The Nature of God - God alone is Creator, all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present.

Truth #4: Humans - uniquely created in the image of God

Truth #5: Sin - because of Adam's sin every person is born spiritually dead

Truth #6: Salvation - is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ

Truth #7: Jesus - is fully God and fully man

Truth #8: The Holy Spirit - permanently indwells every believer and provides unity, power and gifts to God's people

Truth #9: The Church - is the new covenant community of the Spirit with specific God-given responsibilities

Truth #10: Hope - Jesus will physically return to earth as King

(you can listen to the original Big Ten sermon series by visiting www.geist.org, click on "sermons")