Greetings,
It is ever so human to allow adversity in our lives to cause us to doubt. Especially to doubt our relationship with God. “Surely if I were in good standing with God, this adversity would not be happening. God must not be pleased with me.” This mindset certainly has deep Protestant roots, but it is also a natural expression of the human mind. We see in God’s Word that there are blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. But we tend to over simplify and misapply this biblical principle in our own minds and can therefore experience doubt when adversity comes along.
In addressing this on the personal level, it would be good to give some thought to the sovereignty of God. Sovereignty simply means that God is the Supreme power over all that exists. There is nothing in the entire universe that is outside of God’s authority and control. When it comes to our world, we must remember the lesson God taught Nebuchadnezzar – “…know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:32). God is in control, He is sovereign.
If we track through the life of Daniel we see that he experiences prosperity and adversity. After interpreting the dream of a great image, Daniel was promoted, given great gifts and made ruler of the whole province of Babylon (Daniel 2:48). And yet he found himself in serious adversity when the king’s jealous insiders formed a plan to trap Daniel into disobeying the king’s command. If we were faced with being thrown into a fiery furnace or a den of hungry lions, might we not doubt why God was allowing this to happen? But with Daniel, we see no deviation in his righteous behavior toward God. Daniel did not know if God would intervene to protect him or allow circumstances to run their course (Daniel 3:17-18). But he believed that God was in control and that whatever the outcome, it would accomplish His purpose and declare His glory. Daniel’s response to adversity was directed by his view of the sovereignty of God.
In a similar vein, the Apostle Paul pointed out, “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). “All things” includes times of adversity.
A personal, positive and committed view of God’s sovereignty will help us follow Daniel’s example of navigating the smooth waters of prosperity as well as the rough waters of adversity. We need to always be mindful that God has everything under control and nothing happens to us that He does not allow for our good and for His glory. “For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28).
Warm regards,
Brian Orchard
