Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—God’s Sovereign Power
To whom then will you compare God? Isaiah 40:18
Isaiah says, The Lord has no equal. Yet, our continual struggle is relinquishing control to learn God’s will for our lives. Instead of saying yes to God, we desire to know the details of how and when. From His perfect love, God has given us free will. The results in our lives depend on whether we use our freedom to build or to destroy by the choice we make every day.
God’s answer to our inquisitive nature: “LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)
Surrender and obedience allow us to understand God’s overwhelming love and to know our divine purpose. The righteous receive the blessings of abundant life now and in the future—eternal life. Acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives keeps us connected to His great love and power.
God has a perfect and complete plan for each of us that will come to fruition on condition. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Obedience is the requirement for receiving God’s blessings.
Faith, trust, and obedience place us in a posture of humility to receive power from the Holy Spirit. Our selfish nature is eliminated as we receive supernatural guidance and strength. God requires the human effort of striving daily to have a relationship with Him.
Prayer and study of the Scriptures give us the knowledge and wisdom to keep us in total alignment with His will. Love for God results in surrender! The prayer of not my will is the catalyst for receiving an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We receive His power that allows us to live as victorious overcomers! As we are transformed into the likeness of Christ spiritual growth is evidenced by our changed priorities and lifestyles.
Jesus warned us that life includes trials and sorrows. Redirecting our focus on this one concept, “This is Our Father’s World,” builds our confidence and courage. We faithfully trust and obey God because in humility we acknowledge that the creation can never be greater than the Creator. Nothing happens in this world or our lives without God’s knowledge and consent.
Yes, we live in an environment of increased wickedness, chaos, and confusion that results from using our free will against God. Still, never forget this is our Father’s world! Through the Scriptures, Jesus has given us many encouraging promises. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can have an abundant life of joy and peace while being covered by the blanket of His love and sovereignty. Be blessed. Praise God! Amen.
Bible study: Isaiah 40
Prayer: God, we thank You for your abundant love. We bow in humility to Your sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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