Waiting on God refers to the Christian’s ability to maintain a confident, quiet, expectant, hopeful, peaceful trust in God at all times for all things. In order for believers to be able to wait on God in this manner, they must understand God’s sovereignty. The Christian must believe that God is a sovereign ruler and is able to do what He promises. If God is not sovereign, then Satan can keep God from carrying out His promises to those who believe His Word.
God’s sovereignty refers to His lordship or rulership in this world. The Bible clearly states that at the cross Satan’s power was broken and Christ was “declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4). And Jesus stated of Himself after His resurrection: “Then Jesus came and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’ ” (Matt. 28:18).
Paul wrote of Christ’s exaltation and authority in his letter to the Ephesians. He wrote that the Father “seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:20-23).
When one looks at the events on earth, it is easy to question who is regulating what is happening today—God or Satan. The majority deny God’s sovereign rule on earth. Many deny that God created the earth. Few believe that God is concerned with or regulating what He created. Most look to the “laws of nature” or “Mother Nature” as ruling the natural world. The majority of people look to psychology, behavioral science, and sociology to understand man’s behavior. Man has made man autonomous. Man has made man lord of human affairs in the world, and Mother Nature is made ruler of the natural world.
When we look at the world and the affairs of men, does it look like God is in control? Doesn’t everything indicate that Satan is in more control than God? Don’t natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis, famine, disease, etc., indicate Satan’s control? What about man’s inhumanity to man? Don’t wars, crime, terrorism, etc., indicate Satan’s rulership?
I personally believe that the majority of Christians give way too much power to Satan and man. It is almost like some Christians view God as looking down from heaven “wringing His hands” and saying, “I wish man wouldn’t do this or that,” or “I wish Satan wasn’t so effective in carrying out his plans.” Dear Christian, we serve the sovereign Ruler of the universe, who is not controlled by His creatures or the laws of nature He created.
Our answer as to whether God or Satan is in control depends on whether we are walking by faith in God’s Word, the Bible, or walking by sight, looking to circumstances and conditions in the world.
There are only two alternatives as to who is in control. God must either rule or be ruled. God must either accomplish His own will or be stopped by His creation—the forces of nature and man.
Let’s look at what the Bible says about God’s sovereignty on earth. Paul tells us that God “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).
All things are subject to God’s immediate control. All things happen according to His eternal purpose.
We might reason, “If I were God, I wouldn’t allow this or that to happen!” At such times we must remember what Paul told the believers in Rome:”
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33).
Sovereignty characterizes the whole being of God. He is sovereign in the exercise of His power, and His power is exercised as He wills, when He wills, and where He wills.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. Why is a belief in God’s sovereignty essential in order to wait on Him?
2. What happened to Satan’s power and authority at the cross of Christ? Why is this important in understanding God’s sovereignty?
3. What position of authority did Christ receive after His death and resurrection?
4. The Bible says that God works all things according to the __________ of His __________. What does this mean to you?
Prayer Activity
• Call your prayer partner and discuss this devotional with him/her.
• Pray with your prayer partner:
1. Pray for God to baptize you with His Holy Spirit.
2. Pray for God to revive you and His church.
3. Pray for God to teach you that He is the sovereign ruler in heaven and earth.
4. Pray for the individuals on your prayer list.
Excerpt From: Dennis Smith. “40 Days.”