...but my God is sovereign.

How do we respond to suffering?

While the temptation to rebel, complain, or give up at the first sign of catastrophe may be our first thought, what do we choose to do? What attitude do we decide to harbor? Do we respond with giving in, therefore willingly accepting defeat? Or do we fight beyond the negativity and the obvious pain towards gratefulness, joy, and trust in God?

Ultimately, our response to anything is a choice, even suffering.

---

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity of spending the afternoon with a dear friend. Her God-given friendship is a blessing in my life, for we both understand the other’s similar story. She is currently fighting against the ups and downs of chronic illness, and I am so proud of the humble way she rocks her brokenness! Lyme Disease is no small battle, and it demands an overwhelming amount of bravery and endurance.

As I listened to the words this courageous friend had on her heart today, I was encouraged. Everything she said pointed back to her God, revealing a faith growing stronger through the war and a soul becoming even more beautiful because of her scars. With every struggle shared, she would conclude with these words: “…but my God is sovereign.” How beautiful is that?

With every struggle shared, she would conclude with these words: “…but my God is sovereign.”

Since our time together, I’ve been pondering the raw truth in her words. Living a life abandoned of self and devoted to God’s will is not void of trials. There will be hardship. There will be pain. There will be frustration. There will be tears. But, no matter how big the mountain, our God is sovereign. This means He is solely in control and ultimately in authority over all.

His power cannot be escaped. His kingship cannot be overruled.

God is bigger than anything and everything that leaves us cowering in fear, and He holds us close when we are too aware of our weakness. Yes, there is suffering in this world. No, you are not alone. Yes, life can hurt. No, God has not forsaken you.

Be still and know God’s got it. He is in control. He is bigger. He is sovereign.

I am learning…

...to daily choose an attitude of wholehearted trust in the sovereignty of my God.

To overcome, my faith must be bigger than my fear.

To endure, my trust must be continual and steadfast.

To become more like Christ, I must choose to believe the God who painted the sky and breathed the mighty ocean into existence is holding me and writing my story according to His perfect timing.

Like my brave friend, I do not ignore the pain and suffering of this world—it’s too real—but I look at every part of the blessed life God has given me and interrupt my struggles to tell them how big my God is.

Today’s challenge:

• Fill in the blank with your trial and repeat this powerful sentence to yourself: “__________________________, but my God is sovereign.”

• Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16

• Adopt the lyrics of “Sovereign" and hold onto them throughout this week. (Video below)