God’s Sovereignty in Security

What is God’s Sovereignty and how does it apply to our outlook on church security?

God’s sovereignty can be summarized as possessing ultimate power and authority, establishing that God is in complete control of all things and can accomplish whatever he pleases.

If you agree with the above statement and also believe that God works all things according to the counsel of his will (as noted in Ephesians 1:11) and that his knowledge of all things past, present, and future is flawless, then why bother investing in security concerns at your church. If God knows it’s going to happen and has the ability to protect us from it then what’s the point?

Although this thought process is true and the statements made about God are correct you may have left out an important piece of the puzzle! The part that is missing is that God uses his children to accomplish the purposes of his will. In God's awesome power and sovereignty he doesn't necessarily need us, but still uses us in His kindness. God has given people like you and me the skills to protect his church. He can use you to accomplish his will. As sinners we do not have the same supremacy as God. Therefore, we cannot know in advance what God’s will is for us. We have to respond by taking appropriate action to thwart evil in an effort to continue to advance the gospel.

I like to use an analogy when talking about this subject. Every time I get into a car I put on my seatbelt. I do not do this because I do not trust in God to protect me. I do it because I know that car accidents occur and that God gave man the wisdom to invent seatbelts and airbags. I believe that God can supernaturally intervene and prevent a drunk driver from running into me. I also know that God may have another plan and may allow the accident to occur. In the event that occurs then God may decide to continue to use the invention of man (Seatbelts and airbags) to protect me. Regardless of the outcome God was sovereign in the details. God is not only sovereign in the details BUT he is also GOOD! Knowing God is sovereign is not enough sometimes. If God was only sovereign but not good, we would be in trouble. His goodness coupled with sovereignty reveals more about His kindness towards sinners. So yes, God is not only sovereign in the details, whatever the outcome (walking away with a scratch, or being paralyzed or even dead) God is working His gospel purposes out in my life and for my ultimate GOOD. So if I have a scratch- it is for my GOOD. If am paralyzed it is for my GOOD. Wisdom states that one should act intelligently and use the knowledge and tools that the Lord has provided.