Trusting God’s Sovereignty
By Rev. Dr. Versey A. Williams, Contributing Writer
The eighth chapter of Romans beautifully illustrates the power we have been given as children of God while we embrace God’s blessings for us through Christ Jesus. As I reflect on it, especially Romans 8:28-31, I bask in God’s sovereignty.
Occasionally, I hear the phrase, “God is in control, it happened for a reason.” What really makes me cringe is when someone proudly says, “God will not put more on you than you can bear.” God knows life is challenging enough. God does not tempt us (James 1:12-16). God desires for us to be healthy and productive in life (John 10).
Yes, we learn lessons. Life has many challenges. We often learn about goodness and evil from each other. My staff and I are essential workers, tending to people’s souls. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, we continue to be at the bedside of patients and support staff, even unto and after death. For those of us who have learned the art and skill of leaning on our faith in God at all times, we know God is not causing us to suffer but rather helps us through divine intervention known as calvary (Isaiah 53). For those of us who have questions or are angry or not speaking to God, I ask the question, “Where is God during disappointments like illness, racism, and this continuing pandemic?”
As an African American, I see God moving in the hearts of people who would otherwise remain quiet. Unfortunately, it involved more black men and women being murdered but was also was the catalyst for millions of people to begin waging war against what has always been—murder and other abuses and injustices of black and brown people in the United States of America.
The war highlighted that some people in authority will abuse anyone who challenges their abuse. It is not the first time millions witnessed or heard about the murder of a black person but this was a bit different.
The world has a common enemy in COVID-19. This enemy has killed people from every socio-economic sphere and is present in just about every corner of God’s world. COVID-19 and its fallout have ravaged lives.
Embedded in God’s sovereignty is grace and justice that empowers empathy to stir up and demand better. It is as though the earth, reeling from COVID-19, regurgitated the repulsiveness of the behaviors of those in power who dehumanized people of color and others who dare to defend that Black Lives Matter. God did not send COVID-19. God used COVID-19 to help shake up the social status quo.Life includes spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6). Sometimes it is difficult and emotionally draining; however, we–God’s church—need to educate everyone we meet about our relational, sovereign God. Others need to learn that America’s injustice and COVID-19 do not negate God’s love and provisions for us. Whether in life or death, we belong to God.
