Day 27: Jesus, You Are Sovereign and Good

Do you ever struggle with wanting what you don’t have or having what you don’t want? I think we all wrestle with these wishings and wantings at times. I have spoken with a couple of friends recently who are experiencing extreme and completely unexpected difficulties in their lives. A thought occurred to me some time ago that I already knew was true, but there was a new realization of it in one of those Holy Spirit moments of devotion. If we are exactly where the Lord wants us, then do we really want to be anywhere else? God has a plan for us – good works He has prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). We may find ourselves in a place that looks like madness and we may think, “Why would He lead us here?” But in fact, if we are where God wants us, then we are right on schedule and exactly where we need to be. We wrestle and moan about the turn of events, but if we are following Jesus, then we discover that He resolutely walks forward on this strange path. And if we are following Him, then we must continue to go with Him wherever He leads even if we don’t understand. We need to remember that on either side of the valley are beautiful mountains with incredible views. But sometimes you have to go through the valley to get to that new mountain with the path leading to higher ground.

You see this journey in Joseph, whose life took a series of twists and turns, but ultimately led to a position of leadership he could have never imagined in younger years. I love Joseph’s explanation to his brothers on the other side of his deep trials: “God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance So now it was not you who sent me here, but God…Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 45:7-8, 50:19-20). As Joseph counted on the sovereignty and goodness of God, so we can count on Jesus’ sovereign leading and goodness in His plans and purposes for us. Even on the strange paths when we don’t understand, He whispers the constant calling, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). We must carry with us the conviction of Jesus who told others, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and accomplish His work” (John 4:34). And while Jesus delighted in carrying out the will of the Father, He endured the cross, paid the penalty for our sins, accomplished redemption and sanctification, was raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now sits at the right hand of God the Father (Colossians 3:1). He is highly exalted and at His name every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

We may not understand God’s plan, but we can know that His will is “good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). If any of us find ourselves wrestling with the wishings and wantings, then settle yourself once and for all with the goodness and sovereignty of your Lord. Rest in the amazing promises of Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me” and Psalm 31:15 “My times are in Your hand” and experience a new contentment. Then, delight in the company of Jesus. Walk with Him and talk with Him throughout the day. Know and love Him more. You will discover His magnificent beauty and joyful presence are more than enough to match the deepest needs of your heart.

My Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for walking resolutely on the path laid out for us and for taking us into the good works prepared beforehand. Give us a new trust to confidently follow Your lead every moment of the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.