God Is Still In Control!

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19: 21, NIV.

Dear LORD, please help us never to forget, that “though the wrong seems oft’ so strong, God is the Ruler yet” (Maltbie D. Babcock). In the name of Jesus Christ we humbly pray! Amen. 

Because of the uncertainty that prevails in our society today, it is very reassuring to know that, God is still in control! We are not at the mercy of our circumstances (I am sure that I have said this before)! It is a healthy practice to keep this reality always before us.

At first glance it may appear that what the text is saying is that no matter what plans we have for our lives, God’s purpose is what is going to eventually come to pass. If that were the case, it would cast to the ground the principle of free will. Yet the Word of God gives evidence that He does allow human beings to decide what they are going to do with their lives. Here are two examples in the Hebrew Scriptures (OT), and one in the New Testament:

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30: 19, emphasis provided). Encouraging us to make right choices is not the same as imposing His choice upon us.

” .  .  .  But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” ‘ ” (Joshua 24: 15, emphasis provided).

“Then Peter said, ‘ “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5: 3, 4, emphasis provided).

So what could our text be referring to when it affirms, “but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails[?]” Permit me to submit, for your consideration the following thoughts: 

1) God is Sovereign over the whole creation, and as such, can do whatever He chooses. He chose to give us the gift of free will. However, as Sovereign, He also has made Himself responsible for the well-being of His creatures, and can, will, and does, intervene when the decision of one of His creatures, or, a group of His creatures, will affect adversely, the life of the others. Especially the lives of those that have accepted Him as their personal Savior! (See Psalm 91).

2) Even though God created us with free will, if we ask Him to become the Lord of our lives, and take over our decisions, and rule over us, He will. And when we belong to Him, He makes the plans for our lives, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29: 11).

Aren’t you glad, that it is these purposes that prevail? God is a God of love and incomparable compassion. When He decides to overrule the decision of mortals, it is always for the good of all of His creatures; even those whose plans he is counteracting! What a God!