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

Philippians 1:12 New King James Version

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 Paul couldn't control every situation, he could certainly see God's sovereignty over everything that had happened to him.

We often use "sovereignty" and "control" interchangeably.

But sovereignty is a much better word than control. Control breeds the idea of divine fatalism. That is when people say God is in control, they are implying God micromanages everything and has predetermined everything, from unknown millions suffering from wars and pestilence to death and destruction. This gives the impression that God is either malicious or manipulative. Either view is neither comforting nor true to biblical revelation.

Sovereignty is about God's absolute reign over our lives, and He can respond decisively to us because He maintains the control of final outcomes. So, whatever happens to us, God has the will, knowledge and power to do far more abundantly beyond what we can even think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). 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 just to ruffle you up for some mischievous fun. God lets things happen for you so that He can reveal the truth of the presence and power of Christ in you. As such, your prayer is not about looking for a rescue but for a supernatural increase of grace and peace 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 because of who I am in Christ?"

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 greater 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 tribulations. When you stand on these promises, you are proclaiming that God is still and always sovereign over the situation —even when you think your life is spinning out of control.

Instead of blaming God when bad things happen, learn to trust Him.

Trust elevates you above the storms and obstacles—because you are at a place where God wants you to be. 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 ushering a whole new season of grace and favour.