We Must Embrace Both God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
The benefits are massive.
Why does the Bible teach both God’s absolute sovereignty and human responsibility? Because each truth carries life-changing treasures, and we are meant to enjoy them both.
Discover the benefits of fully embracing God’s sovereignty: peace, trust, worship, humility, confidence in suffering, and boldly sharing the Gospel.
And discover the treasures of fully embracing man’s responsibility: choosing God, pursuing holiness, resisting the devil, disciplined living, believing for the impossible, active prayer, and world evangelism. Learn how these two doctrines work together to produce mature, joyful, mission-minded disciples.
How does this transform us?
God’s sovereignty helps us to understand that there are bigger reasons for our suffering than we may be able to see right now. God has a deep purpose in allowing suffering in our lives, and we can choose to trust Him in the midst of it!
Reflect on the goodness of God toward you in your life, on His love for you and His great faithfulness. Thank Him for His provision and strength. Then, identify any situation in your life that is causing you discouragement, anxiety, or weakness because of your suffering (even seemingly small situations). Tell God how you’re feeling about it, and ask Him for peace and strength in the midst of it. He sees and knows your sufferings, and He has a higher purpose for them! Tell Him you trust Him, and rest in His arms.
Often the benefit of our suffering is not only for just ourselves and our growth in God. Sometimes it will be more about the effect it has on others. The suffering of Jesus on the Cross was not intended to teach Him! It was rather for the good of others. Can you think of ways that your own suffering was not “about you” and your own growth – but more about how it was shining the light of God’s glory to others? Let us rejoice that God can use our trouble for the good of others!
Then, think of people you know who have shared their sufferings with you. Pray deeply for them, that God would reveal His purposes, power, and comfort to them in the midst of their sufferings.
