I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.

Philippians 1:12

The Apostle Paul wrote an encouraging letter to the Philippians, telling them that everything that happened to him really served to advance the gospel. While the Apostle Paul couldn't control every situation that happened to him, he could certainly see God's sovereignty over all things in his life.

We often use "sovereignty" and "control" interchangeably. But actually, sovereignty is a better word than control. Control breeds the idea of divine fatalism. This is why when people say God is in control, they sometimes assume whatever happens is supposed to happen because God controls everything.

Such an idea of God is neither comforting nor true to biblical revelation.

Sovereignty is about God's reign over you. It does not mean God is controlling you as much as God is saving you. Once you understand this truth, you will realise that life is not about God letting things happen to you but rather, life is about God letting things happen for you.

It is important to make a distinction here.

God doesn't let things happen to punish you or just to ruffle you up for some meaningless fun. God let things happen for you so that He can reveal the presence and power of Christ in you. As such, your prayer is not about looking for a rescue but to pursue more grace to endure and conquer every obstacle through Christ. Then, you will move from asking, "Why did this happen to me?" to "What is God doing in me and for me and through me?"

When you hold to the sovereignty of God, you are saying that there is nothing that can happen to you that has a standing chance of ruining God's redemptive plan for your life. As the Apostle Paul would say, "Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39) This is why the Bible is full of promises. These promises are given to comfort and strengthen you in your time of trials and suffering. When you stand on these promises, you are proclaiming that God is still in control of the situation even when you think your life is spinning out of control.

Don't blame God when bad things happen.

Rather, trust God to elevate you above the obstacle—because that is what God is actually doing. When you feel stuck, it is God's way of telling you that it is time you have a fresh revelation of who you are and what you have in Christ. In doing so, you are stepping into a whole fresh season of grace and favour.