SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart in in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes.
OBSERVATION:
Today marks the last day of our fast. As we move forward, I want to leave you with an important principle. We have a responsibility for our actions and decisions, but God is sovereign over all. In this verse it seems to be saying that God overrides the will of leaders. This is not so. It is like when God hardened the heart of Pharaoh.
To understand this, we need to understand the difference between control and influence. Control is using force to manipulate the responses of others – basically making someone do something because they are powerless to stop you. Influence, however, is the direct or indirect exposure to concepts or culture. It is defined as “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself” (Disctionary.com). It was God influencing Israel when He said, “Today I put before you life and death. Therefore, choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). God’s influence leads. Manipulation and control seeks to push, drive, and intimidate. Influence empowers others to make a decision. Control takes that power away.
God’s influence is felt through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was influencing Pharaoh to be compassionate and reasonable. When God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, He didn’t make him choose evil, He simply removed His influence that was restraining the evil in Pharaoh’s heart. Pharaoh was unrestrained in doing what he already wanted to do.
Pharaoh still was completely free to make his own decisions, and as a result, was completely responsible for his actions before God. Yet in Pharaoh’s freedom, God displayed His sovereignty and ultimately His will was accomplished.
APPLICATION:
As we move forward, let’s not forget that God’s sovereignty will not override or control someone’s will, but the will of man by no means cancels out God’s sovereignty. What that means for us is that we must ensure we are aligned with God’s word and His plans, asking that He influence and lead us by His Spirit. We are also praying that God would influence those in positions of power and who have the authority to make decisions that affect us, according to His will.
We must stay near Him and trust Him to accomplish His will in us and those that we interact with. Whether it be at our jobs, in our families or our church, God holds the heart of those in authority in His hands and He can influence them according to His will.
PRAYER:
Lord, I love You. You are Master, Savior, Redeemer, and the Lover of my soul. Thank You for today. I trust You with my today and tomorrow. You hold the heart of the king and I pray that You Kingdom would come and will be done in my family, school, job, and church. I ask forgiveness for the times I tried to exert control. Help me to be like You and to have a greater influence for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
WORSHIP: