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

Philippians 1:12 (NKJV)

 

The Apostle Paul wrote an encouraging letter to the Philippians, telling them that everything that happened to him served to advance the gospel. While the Paul was unable to control every situation, he could clearly see God's sovereignty over everything that had happened to him.

We often use the terms "sovereignty" and "control" interchangeably. But sovereignty is a far better word than control. Control fosters the concept of divine fatalism. When people say God is in control, they imply that God micromanages and predetermines everything, from unknown millions suffering from wars and pestilence to death and destruction. This conveys the impression that God is either malicious or manipulative. Either viewpoint is neither comforting nor consistent with biblical revelation.

Sovereignty refers to God's absolute reign over our lives, and He can respond decisively to us because He have authority over the final outcome. So, whatever happens to us, God has the will, knowledge, and power to do far more abundantly than we can think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Once you understand this truth, you will realise that life is about God allowing things to happen FOR you, not TO you.

What is God saying to me here and what must I do?