God is Sovereign

Scripture: Luke 1:26-27

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

Insights: I want us to focus on the first word of today’s verses, “Now.”  This one word declares the sovereign nature of our Lord and God.  For four hundred years it had appeared to the Jewish people that God had been silent, but NOW in His sovereign timing and purposes, He spoke again to the world.  In this world we have trouble and problems.  We experience pain and suffering.  We want the Lord to intervene in our situations in our ways and in our time table.  The problem with this kind of mentality is God is not a Genie in the bottle.  He does not act on our whims and fancies.  He sees and knows what the entire picture looks like and what must come to pass to bring about His glory.  Paul writing to the church of Galatia stated, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (6:7-9).”  As we are traversing through this world we must not grow wearying in our service and obedience to the Lord.  The key phrase in Paul’s admonishing was “in due time.”  In other words, in God’s due time He will work and move in whatever fashion He deems necessary for Him to receive the appropriate glory and praise.  Our job in understanding God’s sovereign activity is found in the last phrase of these three verses, “if we do not grow weary.”  Beloved, I know it is hard in this world.  I know we face some very painful circumstances.  I know we often times want to throw our hands up in the air and quit.  In spite of all those emotions and feelings, I want to encourage you to not grow weary.  I encourage you to not give in and quit, but rather to trust in the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Remain faithful, Beloved!

Questions:

1. What in your life has caused you to grow impatient with the Lord and His sovereignty?
2. What are the ways in which you can develop and grow in your trust of the Lord and His timing?

Prayer: Father, I am often times a very impatient person.  Forgive me for attempting to solve my problems before going to You first and trusting You for the best plan.  Give me your peace and increase my faith as I surrender to Your Sovereign authority and will.  Amen.