Suffering and the Sovereignty of God
From Rhonda's Desk (the homeschool table):
Yesterday, the books I ordered from Desiring God Ministries arrived, and it was like Christmas. Immediately I opened Suffering and the Sovereignty of God. I read the first 50 pages or so and have been so encouraged.
Excerpts from the book:
"'Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning' (Ps. 30:5)... We can wait for joy that comes in the morning because of faith in our good and sovereign God. But we must not forget that the night is often long and dark, and the weeping is often uncontrollable." (p. 13, para. 2)
We don't often think about that, and I am so encouraged to hear someone confirm that grieving happens in the process of suffering in God's hand. Pain has a purpose and not all suffering is sin. Nor is Satan "sovereign" in suffering.
I've been particularly impressed with a hymn quoted:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessing on you head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
William Cowper, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" (1774)
