“Conviction is not merely an opinion.  It is something rooted so deeply in the conscience that to change a conviction would be to change the very essence of who you are.” – Ravi Zacharias

“You are a paintbrush in the hands of the Artist.” – Heidi Baker, Author

Every one of us has a type of struggle, an obstacle, a hurt, or a burden we face.  Some of them are very overt to others, but some are hidden deep inside of us – not so apparent or obvious. 

Some come into our lives by surprise – suddenly and swiftly overtaking us.  An unforeseen accident, an unexpected death, or a grave diagnosis that just doesn’t seem possible.

Some difficulties we seem to own – almost as if we took them by the hand and pulled them right into our lives.  Succumbing to the addiction time and again, continuing the affair even when we know it’s destroying our family, spending ourselves into bankruptcy, or words we spoke (or didn’t speak) that fractured a close relationship.

Some come upon us circumstantially – trying to go through life minding our own business and finding ourselves in the wrong place at just the right time.  You can work for a company with diligence and dedication for decades and tomorrow become the victim of downsizing or permanent layoff.  You can exercise and eat right most of your life, but cancer still surfaces.  You can do your very best to love and support someone, but they decide you’re not worth loving anymore.

We can try to do the right thing, but the wrong thing happens instead.  We can be doing our best, and the worst comes as a result.  We can be minding our own business, yet we become the victim of circumstances that are devastating.  How can anyone possibly avoid the fate of an accident, a death, or a disease that comes out of the blue?

So much of life is outside of our control.  Sadly enough, what is often within our ability to control, we handle miserably due to our frail, faulty, and feeble human nature.

Do you believe fate drives what happens to us?  Do you believe our circumstances are strictly controlled by our own actions and decisions?  Are we at the mercy of the poor decisions of others – destined to live a life we never wanted in the first place?

Here, at this exact point, is where a single conviction, a simple truth, can change you deep inside.  It can change how you view your life, your decisions, the decisions of others, and every circumstance or situation you find yourself in:  God is in control of it all.

“For He spoke, and it came to be.  He commanded, and it stood firm.  The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the people.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations” – Psalm 33: 9-11.

“The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything.” – Psalm 103:19

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 47:10

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.  I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.  From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.  What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” – Isaiah 46: 10-11

Holding fast to the conviction that God controls everything, not somethings, or some people, or certain circumstances, but EVERYTHING changes how we view life.  It brings a sustaining peace in situations that seem out of control.  It gives us comfort knowing that if we attempt to make the right decision, but end up making the wrong one, God isn’t taken by surprise or forced into an action He wasn’t expecting to take.  He knows what we have chosen, what we are currently choosing, and choices we will make in the future.  He is aware of ALL our choices and REMAINS IN CONTROL of each outcome.

“To say that God’s sovereignty is limited by man’s freedom is to make man sovereign.” – R. C. Sproul

“The sovereignty of God is the one impregnable rock to which the suffering human heart must cling.  The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident:  they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God.” – Margaret Clarkson

“The sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the Christian rests his head.” –  C.H. Spurgeon

“The presence of hope in the invincible sovereignty of God drives out fear.” – John Piper

Can the husband that left, the friend that betrayed you, or the employer that let you go determine the course of your life?  Not if God is in control!  He determines the course of your life – not the choice of one individual or group.  If your life has taken a drastic turn due to the decisions of others, be reminded that God has allowed it, and HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES will be fulfilled regardless of what others do.

The unexpected death – God knew about it from the beginning of time.  The devastating illness – God is in control and our times are in His Hands.  The accident didn’t take God by surprise.  ALL THINGS are under His control with no exception.

So why make choices then?  If God dictates all outcomes (good or bad) then what is this all about?  If I can’t control my own destiny, then what is the point?

Think about the tremendous gift of free will – the ability to choose and how it brings such beauty, significance and meaning to your life!  This wonderful gift is from a Sovereign God! God has given us guidance and direction surrounding our choices – how to make decisions that are based in love, kindness, and what is good for others.  Throughout our lives, we actively participate in God’s purposes being fulfilled.

But making sound choices doesn’t guarantee a carefree life.  What we desperately try to control cannot be controlled by anyone but God.  One of my favorite spiritual mentors, Charles Stanley, says it best: “Always do what is right and leave the consequences to God.”

This is how we participate, learn and grow in this life of ours – knowing that we do our best and that our best doesn’t always mean things will turn out grand or spectacular.  God is in control of all outcomes.  He knows what is best – making all things work together for good, even when they seem bad on the surface.

Do you embrace this conviction?  Can you apply it to EVERY aspect of your life?  If you can my friend, you will live with a peace that remains a part of you no matter what you face.  Do your best every day and surrender whatever outcome transpires.  When you fail, when others fail you, when life takes a wrong turn, rest knowing God is in control – ALWAYS AND FOREVER 😊