Photo: Adobe Stock
Christianity is unique in that it accepts and teaches the existence of an active Creator. Unlike other systems that place the divine at a distance, Christianity proclaims that God is personally involved in His creation. The faith is at odds with deism, which teaches that while God may exist, He has essentially stepped away, leaving the world to fend for itself.
Yet the very concept of deism is disproven in the Scriptures, not only in Old Testament historical accounts but also directly from the mouth of Jesus Christ. In Matthew chapter six, we are given a picture of a God who is intimately concerned with His creation.
Jesus shared, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matt. 6:26–27). This statement alone rejects the idea of a distant deity. Jesus affirms that God not only provides but is presently active in doing so.
Christians should rightfully submit to God’s sovereignty. Simply put, sovereignty means that God has complete authority and control over all things. From the battles of the Old Testament to the ones we face today, from famines and disasters to moments of peace, God’s hand is at work. This concept, though comforting, can also be difficult to grasp.
Tragedy often brings destruction and heartbreak. Still, Scripture teaches that we live in a fallen world, controlled by sin since the fall of mankind. As a result, suffering is a reality. However, God’s sovereignty shows us that this world is not all there is, and He is with us through its hardships.
God’s will is tied directly to His sovereign nature. While we may rightly mourn disasters and hardships, the light of Christ often shines brightest in the darkest moments. Following World War II, after the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, the first outsiders welcomed in, aside from the military, were Christian missionaries. Likewise, after Haiti was devastated by an earthquake, Christians immediately mobilized to serve and bring hope to their fellow man. God often moves through His people, even in times of suffering.
God’s sovereignty is something that should bring us comfort. It is no accident that Jesus emphasized it in the Lord’s Prayer when He prayed, “Your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). Jesus affirmed that God’s will is not just for heaven, but also for earth. He uses mankind to fulfill His ultimate purpose.
If God’s sovereignty did not matter, what would be the point of prayer or fellowship? Both are essential for the believer, helping us grow closer to God and stay grounded in this temporary world. Jesus commanded prayer (Matt. 7:7), predicted the future (Matt. 24:6), and promised His followers would endure (John 10:27-29).
Respecting God’s sovereignty brings comfort, understanding, and a renewed sense of purpose.
