Discovering God's sovereignty..

Sovereignty is a term that I have always struggled with. Being that it's a super long word and all, and I really get lost in just the spelling alone (Thank God for spell check!) every time I have heard it talked about in scripture, my mind almost wanted to just skip it.

But..it's really a big deal.

I'll offer you my simplified definition...

God will accomplish what he intends to accomplish...with or without our help. He will even use those who work against him, for his glory and his glory alone. 

As I was chopping up vegetables for dinner a few weeks ago, thinking about my parenting skills..or lack thereof..wondering how these children of mine were going to turn out..or if they'll make it. My prayer was just.."God can they just make it..can they know you and feel your love..will they make it..?" And I was immediately reminded of this word...his "sovereignty".

That the truth is far more than I can even comprehend..that no matter what I do..he will accomplish what he wants accomplished with my kids..and it's their choice whether they believe in him and his will or not. My job, is to do everything I can to show them how much they are loved by him. 

That's all.

And no matter what happens..that is my part. I can love their little faces, and pray over them with all my heart, but I cannot assure their life will be filled with all the things I wish upon them. Will I parent  them the way He wants me to with Him in charge?..or will I let my emotions take over and rule with my own power and authority?

Here's all I know of sovereignty..and I hope that it gives you a perspective to hold onto as you walk this life out with the uncertainty that seems to draw fears in us, through hard times and even the good times. 

Bare with me for just a few..and I'll try to show you the power of it in scripture..

In the second book of Acts, the disciples meet in an upper room and receive the Holy Spirit. And just like that, the church was formed in the form of healing, miraculous acts and the way they took care of each other. By Acts 3 they heal a man who was crippled from birth (it says he was over 40 years old in Acts 4:22)"...and the man jumps up and starts walking and jumping and praising God.." Acts 3:8. 

I think I would jump up and start praising, too..don't you?!

And then it causes quite the riot..

Right after, the crowds are amazed..and Peter makes a speech...people are being saved left and right and the priests and captain of the temple Gard and the Sadducees..were greatly disturbed..

Acts 4:2"..because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead."

We get to Acts 4:9 "..If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are ask how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ.."

And they are asked point blank..Acts 4:17" ..speak no longer to anyone in this name."

Their response..Acts 4:20 "For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

And then they pray. They pray a very powerful prayer..and here's the part where God's sovereignty is emphasized by Peter.

Acts 4:7..."Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen."

Here's my point.

God used a bloody crucifixion for his glory and power to be shown.

The disciples seem to grasp this in this prayer.

I just want to show you that we need to grasp it in our lives, as well.

And when we examine the choices we have in everyday..it's always two..always two voices we have (unless you are like the multiple personality people..and I got nothing but compassion for you..two is plenty!) Will we listen to what he tells us to do? Or will we do what we want to do? It's hard doing the right thing..it's really, really hard...but..

Romans 8:2828 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

So, I stopped chopping vegetables for a moment and just decided..I'll do what I can..to love Him..to do what I've been called to do..which is writing this by the way...and to be the ambassador for Team Iacono..and gather family and friends to encourage and be encouraged. 

To do all I can to help you and I regain some of our dignity..as this world seems to be a little harsh at times..and will strip us bare and leave us ashamed.

Take a look at the end of their prayer..it's always about other people..not ourselves..

Acts 4:29 "...Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders throughout the name of your holy servant Jesus.

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

I hope you are catching this..but, if your not..there's one more thing I want to add..

When the ladies were walking to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body..they asked each other in Mark 16:3

"Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

They had legitimate concerns..but little did they know..it was already taken care of.

God took care of it because nothing could stop him from telling this story over and over and over again.

Not even a stone. 

And when you come to the crook of the road in your life and wonder.."who will roll this stone away?..just remember how powerful God is.

Even if the answers don't come easy..point to Jesus..glorify his name and remember his sovereignty.

I'm going on faith here..so..if this doesn't make sense..I can only hope to re-write it better another day!!