The Sovereignty of God + Midweek Updates
When the winds blow, we remain anchored.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him” (Lamentations 3:22-24).
Sometimes life feels like a rollercoaster: dreams crumbling, doors closing, hope flickering. We feel betrayed, weary, and emotionally drained. Our weaknesses and insufficiencies stare us in the face.
But God.
Our ‘okay-ness’ is not in the strength of our faith, but in the strength of the One who saves. Though we are weak and of little faith, He is supremely strong and unfailingly faithful. Our Rock, he saved us. He is saving us. He will save us.
The Fear-Crushing Sword.
One truth has held me steady, again and again: the Sovereignty of God. It is a central theme in the Scriptures and history. God’s Sovereignty crushes fear and regret like a sharp two-edged sword. Our what-ifs, whys, and hows cannot stand under the weight of the Glory of the Sovereignty of God.
To say God is Sovereign means He has absolute authority and control over creation and circumstances, rulers and authorities, eternity, and present moments. And here is the good news: it is God who is Sovereign. Not a fallen being. Not you. Not me. Not the devil. But the One who is perfectly pure, infinitely just, tenderly compassionate, and altogether Good.
He uses His Sovereignty to accomplish good purposes, for His glory and for the good of those who trust Him. And no purpose of his can be thwarted.
So no matter how painful the season, we can endure and find rest because we know who holds every variable in His hand. When we pray, we are not speaking into a void. We are placing our hopes and sorrows into the hands of the only One who can truly transform ashes into beauty.
For by him [Christ] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
(Colossians 1:16–20).
MIDWEEK UPDATES
RESOURCES - Want to stay up to date on Immanuel’s teaching ministry? Whether you missed a Sunday or need a midweek word of encouragement, subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest!
PRAYER - As we continue our series on prayer, we want to invite you to join us every Friday at 6 am in the Cafe at 4301 Charlotte Ave. for prayer. This is a great opportunity to go to our heavenly Father with frontline prayers, asking that His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Let’s see what the Lord will do!
SUMMER WORK PROJECTS - This summer, we’re coming together for a series of projects to spruce up and care for our church home! We invite you to sign up for one (or more) of the project dates below:
Friday, July 18
Saturday, July 19
No matter your skill level, there’s a place for you on the team. Thank you for making Immanuel an even more welcoming place for all who enter!
MARRIAGE FOUNDATIONS SEMINAR - If you are considering marriage, engaged, or are young in your marriage, join us for our next Marriage Foundations Seminar. The seminar will take place on Saturday, August 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the café. Lunch will be provided. Register here.
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Amen