Fasting Encouragement Day Eight

The words from both Psalm 8 and a song written by Israel Houghton called “Friend of God” both state, “Who am I that you are mindful of me.” As you read those words, perhaps your mind begins to sing the song in your head, “Who am I that you are mindful of me, that you love me, it’s amazing!” In church and in some Christian conversations we use the term, “sovereignty of God”. Perhaps you’re wondering exactly what sovereignty means. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, it means “unlimited power, independent authority and the right to have controlling influence.” God is the ultimate source of all power and authority over everything in Heaven and in Earth. As such in Romans 9-11, there is an ongoing discussion regarding God’s relationship with the Israelites and the fact that God is free to do with his creation as he pleases. Some scholars say that this chapter we are reading today, Romans 11, is one of the most profound and explanatory chapters in the Bible regarding God’s sovereignty. In this chapter, you read about sovereignty being God choosing the destiny of His creation (v. 8-10), Him choosing when to extend His grace or judgment (v. 18, 21, 25), and as a result, is worthy of all glory because of His wisdom and knowledge (v. 33).

Paul makes a point to say that God has the ultimate right to choose one’s destiny (Rom. 11:8-10). As I read Ephesians 1:20-21, it says, “Jesus is seated in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name evoked, not only in the present age or the age to come”. In our daily reading today, we learn that it is to our benefit that we are brought into this same position with Christ (v. 11-24, Romans 8:15, 38). God had made a covenant with the Jews, and although they chose not to receive that position in Christ, it made a way for us to receive that destiny (as a Gentile). In addition, the Law, which was first given to the Jews, made us all aware of how we are dead in our trespasses and in need for Christ’s sacrifice for our life (Romans 7:7, Rom 11: 27, 30, Isaiah 59). However, once the full number of Gentiles come into the family of Christ, Israel will be saved (Rom 11:25b). Praise God that His plan for all of creation is irrevocable (v.29).

In God’s sovereignty, He chooses when, where, and how He will extend His grace or judgment to all of creation (Romans 11:22, Hebrews 12). Think about the kinds of things that put people into the prison system. I find myself so humbled when I watch God’s sovereignty in dealing with those who’ve made such questionable choices in life. Most people who I’ve worked with in recovery met Jesus while in prison. These individuals would say that prison saved their life. It helped them realize their need for Christ and the tendency to do the wrong thing repeatedly because of their fleshly brokenness (Romans 7) and being left to their own devices. The power of generational sinful patterns provided no way out for them. It’s the most powerful and humbling experience to watch a “hardened criminal” give their lives to Jesus because of His grace for them. It’s by God’s sovereignty that this is even possible. If left to their own devices, they have insurmountable barriers to overcome to get out of that type of life. If a sentence was passed solely on judgement, their crimes it would mean prison for life or even their punishment would be death. If their sentence was only based on grace, a criminal, wouldn’t even consider a need for a “way out” and would continue to stay in that sin pattern. God knows the perfect balance of grace and judgment. Witnessing this beautiful and wonderful gift gives me a fuller understanding of how it will feel when God witnesses all Israel will be saved (v. 26).

The Lord must be glorified because of His sovereignty. How often do we become discouraged by things not aligning in your life like you think they should? When I end up thinking like this, I am thinking through my own understanding. I am forgetting the sovereignty of God. I forget that even if I have ‘failed’ in some way, that God is always able to turn bad situations into his glorious plan (Romans 8: 28). Because of His power and authority, he deserves to be praised and receive all glory. Paul says this best himself:

Oh, the depths and riches and wisdom and inscrutable are his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
For from Him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.
-Romans 11:33-26

I pray today that the position you take is posturing yourself to stand in awe of His sovereignty, his powerful work in your life. Oh Lord, who am I that you are mindful of me?