The Sovereignty and Goodness of God in 2020

In the midst of political turmoil, growing tension between civilians and law enforcement, and COVID-19, it is easy to to call this year a “bad” year. This is true whether one is a Christian or not. To counter the consensus view, I offer a different perspective in that 2020 has been a good year. While the events that have transpired throughout this year have been surprising to say the least for all of us, they have not been a surprise to God, who is both sovereign and good. This remains true whether you have faced the death of a loved one this year, been involved in some sort of altercation with law enforcement, or if the president of your choice is not in office. Jesus Christ is King and as already stated, He is both sovereign and good.

All that has occurred this year, from the most visible in COVID-19 to the seemingly most trivial of things regarding our personal lives is subject to the sovereignty of God. Is this not something to rejoice about? Everything that has happened this year and in our lives in general is in the hands of our sovereign Lord. This is indeed a good thing and it is all part of God’s will and plan for His creation during this time.

God’s sovereignty and goodness have been made more evident to me as I consider the lives of those around me this year. I can recall personal stories from friends who were compelled to draw even nearer to the Lord as a result of this year’s events. I know of individuals who have come to genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ for the same reason. I have seen how the Lord has used this year to stretch my own faith; learning to trust Him to a greater degree notwithstanding personal challenges in my own life. I can say with certainty that I have delighted in the Lord this year more so than any other year in my life as a Christian. And it goes without saying that this is not by chance; it is no mere coincidence. Indeed, these are good things. I am sure that God has used this time to conform us all more into the image of His Son.

I understand that many have suffered greatly this year in various ways, believers and unbelievers alike. With this in mind, I would like to pose a question to two audiences.

For the Christian

• We have all experienced suffering in some way this year, whether great or small. Have you suffered well with God’s sovereignty and goodness in mind?

• In discussing how the Christian should respond to suffering Jerry Bridges writes, “…that which should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God’s eternal plan, and He brings or allows to come into our lives only that which is for His glory and our good.” (Trusting God, 21-22).

• Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis, whose brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph came to realize God’s sovereignty and goodness even in the actions of his brothers. “So it was not you who sent me here, but God…” (Genesis 45:8). “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20).

“…that which should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God’s eternal plan, and He brings or allows to come into our lives only that which is for His glory and our good.”

Trusting God, 21-22, Jerry Bridges

For the Unbeliever

• Will you hope in what is fleeting—in your health, or even a political candidate?

• If you have not put your faith in Jesus Christ, I urge you to do so today. Repent of your sins and draw near to the God who, by His grace, justifies us through the redemption of Jesus Christ and freely gifts to us salvation. Instead of a fleeting hope, you can have an eternal hope in Jesus Christ who is able to pardon and cleanse you of sin.

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." - Romans 10:9-10

Even if you have been unable to see how exactly the events of this year have been working for our good and for the glory of God in His sovereignty, it remains true that He is working. The difficulties of 2020 do not, and absolutely cannot, thwart the goodness and sovereignty of God. In fact, they only serve to make sweeter our joy in resting in Christ and having Him as our hope, since we know that He is working all things for our good and for His glory. For this reason I can firmly say that 2020 has been a good year. We are loved by, and secure in, Him.

As we head into 2021 my prayer is that in whatever challenges we may face, we would be intentional in beholding the glory of God in the intricacies of our lives.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28