OUR SOVEREIGN GOD
The Rev. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) was an Evangelical Reformed Anglican clergyman, who served as the first Bishop of Liverpool England for the last 20 years of his life and ministry. He was a prolific author and powerful Preacher, it is recorded that he stated:
NOTHING WHATEVER,WHETHER GREAT OR SMALL, CAN HAPPEN TO A BELIEVER WITHOUT GOD’S ORDERING AND PERMISSION. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS “CHANCE”, LUCK OR “ACCIDENT”IN THE CHRISTIAN’S JOURNEY THROUGH THIS WORLD. ALL IS ARRANGED AND APPOINTED BY GOD AND ALL THINGS ARE “WORKING TOGETHER” FOR THE BELIEVER’S GOOD.
Sadly, too many believers think the devil is calling the shots in our life, but as Ryle confirms I believe “If I am walking in the Light as He (Christ) is in the Light, and maintain right relationships (fellowship with one another) the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. I also believe that like the Jews in Egypt (when the angel of death crossed the land) we are protected by the blood of Jesus over our lives Amen.
Ryle is clearly confirming what the Word of God teaches, that GOD IS SOVEREIGN and nothing can touch us unless it is with God’s permission. I do not deny that “bad things happen to good people” sickness pain, persecution, and many other problems are not created by God, but He permits them for He has an eternal purpose to fulfil in our lives.
That is why Ryle is alluding to Romans 8:28 That ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. The Message paraphrase says “That is why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God, is worked into something good.
Of course, there are perhaps many times, when we don’t understand, and just wonder what is going on, but we must recognise God is in total control, Isaiah reminds us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways (55:8). The older we get we can look back and after often months, or years, we can see what God was trying to do in our life.HINDSIGHT IS 20/20 VISION.
The negative circumstances, are either stepping stones, or stumbling blocks, we either react or respond to them, often not realising that God is doing a choice work of Grace in our lives. God’s plan is to make us like His son, and sometimes, it may be the Potter’s thumbs, the Surgeon’s scalpel, or the fiery furnace, the writer in the book of Hebrews even talks about chastening and scourging, BUT THE END RESULT IS ALWAYS GOOD.FOR OUR GOD DOES ALL THINGS WELL.
The often current preaching about the Christian Life being a bed of roses, and overflowing with prosperity, does not line up with the Word of God, and many that have imbibed this teaching, when the testings come, even turn their back on God and His Church.
As you read this, you may be reacting to this teaching, as you are experiencing the summer of God’s love and blessing, but others are reading this, may well be going through a winter of sadness, frustration, and difficulty, never forget.
OUR GOD IS SEATED ON HIS THRONE, AND IS IN TOTAL CONTROL.
