How can I learn to trust that God is in control? —Final

 How Much Control Does God Have?

 GOD’S complete sover­eignty contradicts the idea of open theism, which suggests that God does not know the future and must constantly react to human actions. This perspective diminishes God’s omniscience and places human free will above His authority. However, Scripture teaches that God actively governs all things, and nothing happens outside His knowledge and control. Daniel 4:35 declares, “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: ‘What have you done?’” No human will can override the sovereignty of God.

Some may believe that Satan has a degree of control over life and that God con­stantly revises His plans to counteract Satan’s actions. However, the Book of Job illustrates that Satan can do nothing without God’s per­mission. When Satan chal­lenged Job’s faithfulness, God allowed him to test Job, but only within strict limits (Job 1:6–22). Satan could do noth­ing beyond what God permit­ted. This demonstrates that God remains fully sovereign even over the actions of the enemy.

God’s Sovereignty in Christ’s Redemption

Satan knew from the Old Testament that God’s plan was for Jesus to come, be be­trayed, crucified, and resur­rected for humanity’s salva­tion. If there were any way to prevent this, Satan would have done it. Yet, every prophecy concerning Christ was fulfilled exactly as God had planned. Acts 2:23 states, “Jesus was delivered by the determined purpose and fore­knowledge of God.” No action by the Romans, the Pharisees, or Judas could thwart God’s predetermined plan.

Ephesians 1 affirms that believers were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. This means God sovereignly wove together Satan’s rebellion, Adam and Eve’s sin, the fall of humani­ty, and Christ’s crucifixion—all seemingly tragic events—to bring about salvation. This is a perfect example of God working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

How Can We Trust in God’s Sovereign Control?

The only way to trust in God’s sovereignty and rest in it is to know God. Knowing His attributes and His past works builds confidence in Him. Daniel 11:32b states, “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Imagine if such power resided in an unjust or indifferent god. But we rejoice in our God’s sover­eignty because it is overshad­owed by His goodness, love, mercy, compassion, faithful­ness, and holiness.

However, we cannot trust someone we do not know. The only way to know God is through His Word. There is no magical prayer or shortcut to spiritual maturity. It requires consistent, diligent study of Scripture. The Bible is the single source of truth that transforms our hearts and minds. If we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, His sovereignty will become clear to us, and we will rejoice in it. We will come to know intimately and trust com­pletely the God who controls all things for His perfect purpose.

Conclusion

Trusting in God’s sovereign­ty does not mean denying life’s difficulties but rather resting in the certainty that He is working all things ac­cording to His perfect plan. He is not a passive observer but the active ruler over all creation. Neither Satan, human free will, nor world­ly chaos can challenge His authority. The key to trusting God is knowing Him—through His Word, His faithfulness in history, and His unchanging character. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we will not only trust Him more but also find strength and peace in His sovereign plan. There­fore, let us anchor our faith in His promises, delight in His Word, and live with confi­dence, knowing that He is always in control.

Stay blessed!

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By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author