I am currently reading the book of Jeremiah and I read something that made me think. It is Jeremiah 10:23 “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not man who walks to direct his own steps.”
This brought to mind how God is completely sovereign over everything… both the good and bad. For example in the case of Job, God didn’t directly inflict Job with all the pain that he endured… cause Satan did that… but Satan had to get permission from God.¬†
This reminded me of something in Proverbs… Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” He is completely sovereign even to the hardening of hearts (eg. Pharaoh letting Israel go).
Even the foolish, stupid, and sinful things we do have been allowed by Him. He gives us the power to choose to do or not do. Even if we choose poorly in the end all those decisions will still bring Him glory… even the sinful ones… as they will not only show His perfect redemption, but His perfect justice as well. I am amazed how God has allowed something completely opposite of His nature (sin) out of which come many evil things which have been allowed by Him and permitted (ordained) but are not of Him… they are not of His nature and do not make up any part of Him… yet ultimately they will bring Him glory.
Funny how people blame God for freedoms He gave them… and whatever they use that freedom for (good or evil) and face consequences for, will bring Him glory in the end. I guess when I say “they” I should be saying we.. cause I do it too… maybe in different, less blatant ways. The cool thing is that to those who love Him (choose to) and are called according to His purpose… then “all things work together for good”. So I would say to you and myself to choose wisely, as God will work through your choice. He directs our steps.
Needless to say I have not always had such moments reading the book of Jeremiah. Some days it’s like “what?”.
Thanks for reading.