Tranquility in Turmoil: Finding Peace in God’s Sovereignty
Isaac Megbolugbe
January 20, 2025
Introduction
Life’s challenges can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling helpless and uncertain. Yet, as believers, we have a profound truth to cling to: God is always in control. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, the apostle Paul reminds us that despite our frailty, God’s power shines through our weaknesses.
The Treasure of God’s Power
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Paul’s words reassure us that our limitations are not limitations to God. Our “earthen vessels” (fragile human bodies) contain the invaluable treasure of God’s presence and power. This realization shifts our focus from our inadequacies to God’s all-sufficiency.
Unconquered in Adversity
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Paul’s experiences were marked by hardship, but he remained unbroken. He knew that God’s sovereignty reigns supreme, regardless of circumstances. This confidence empowers us to face life’s trials with courage and hope.
As exemplified in my life experiences, I can now in my 70s testify with benefits of hindsight that God uses trials and tribulations to transform and shape us into holy vessels that He can use to fulfill His Purposes and for His Glory. It’s in this reality that lies our joy, peace, fulfillment, contentment and tranquility.
The Life of Jesus Manifested
“Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:10)
As we surrender to God’s will, our struggles become opportunities for Jesus’ life to shine through us. His strength is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The fruits of righteousness that God harvests from our lives reveal that God’s goodness manifest in us to yield abundance of fruits of the Holy Spirit from His Work of Righteousness prepared ahead by God to be accomplished is us as believers.
Delivered to Death, Yet Alive in Christ
“For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” (2 Corinthians 4:11)
In surrendering our lives to God, we find freedom from fear and anxiety. We are no longer controlled by our circumstances, but by the power of Christ living within us. It is this elevated living by faith and in the Spirit that baffles many. I have received inquiries from many who tell me that I am not supposed to be okay with all the wreckage that has attended to my life. They see in me the light of the Lord and witness a level of creative abundance that do not make sense to them. But God is in a transformation business. He has us living by the Spirit in His Presence and we become attached to His Joy that strengthens us continually, no matter the status of circumstances of our lives.
Tranquility in Life’s Turmoil
Knowing God is in control brings:
1. Peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7)
2. Hope in despair(Romans 5:5)
3. Strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
4. Courage in adversity(Joshua 1:9)
5. Freedom from fear(1 John 4:18)
As we rest in God’s sovereignty, we experience tranquility amidst life’s chaos and crises. Our earthen vessels may be fragile, but the treasure within – God’s power – remains unshakable. We remain renewed inside, daily experiencing the perfection of His strength in our weaknesses.
Reflection Questions
1. How do you respond to challenging circumstances?
2. Where do you seek strength and hope?
3. How can you surrender your life to God’s control?
Scripture References
– 2 Corinthians 4:7-11
– Philippians 4:7
– Romans 5:5
– 2 Corinthians 12:9
– Joshua 1:9
– 1 John 4:18
May the tranquility of life that comes from knowing God is always in control be your rock, your refuge, and your peace. Amen.
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