Jeremiah 10:23

Jeremiah 10:23

Thoughts from Brian Cook

Dive Deeper

Godfidence- Swipe
Slide

“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”

Jeremiah 10:23

Godfidence- Behind the Scenes
Slide

The sentiment from today’s verse is found several times throughout the Bible. Here are just a few examples:

- Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

- Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

- Isaiah 46:10-11 My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

- Daniel 4:35 …he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

Slide

These scriptures point us toward an attribute of God: He is sovereign. We call some of God’s attributes communicable, meaning they are attributes that God’s people can reflect. These communicable attributes include His holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness, among others. We are called to be holy as he is holy, to do justly, to be merciful, and to grow in faithfulness.

Slide

Sovereignty, however, is an incommunicable attribute of God. It is an attribute only God exhibits. God’s sovereignty means nothing is outside of His control.

Godfidence- Make it Real
Slide

God has an eternal plan and is actively working in all things for our good and for His glory. That is a huge source of peace for me! We brought our seven-month-old foster daughters home from the hospital when they were three days old. We have no idea how long they will be with us, and it has certainly been an exercise in trusting in God’s sovereignty.

Slide

People often ask if we want to adopt the twins, and the most honest answer I can give is that I am so glad the decision is not mine to make. Don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE for the girls to remain a part of our family! At the same time, I am passionate about family preservation. I am cheering for their birth parents as they work hard to create a stable and healthy lifestyle they can bring their daughters back into. And when I say I’m glad the decision isn’t mine, I’m not blindly placing my trust in the Office of Children’s Services either. I am placing my trust in our sovereign God, knowing their little lives are in His hands.

Slide

You see, the unknowns and lack of control we have experienced as foster parents have helped me realize how little control we have over any of our kids’ lives: biological, adopted, or fostered. I know the kids in my home will grow up hearing about God’s love, but nothing I do can guarantee they will choose to love God. I don’t know what the future holds for the twins. Or for Addy. Or for Alise. Or for Devon. I DO know that God is good. I know He is strong and able. And I know He loves my kids more than I ever could.

Slide

With that assurance, I am freed to let go of my striving and release the burden of it all depending on me. Instead, I can be grateful for the role God has asked me to play in all my kids’ lives for however long He wills. As the lyrics of a Casting Crowns song say, “How refreshing to know You don’t need me. How amazing to find that You want me.” The response to God’s sovereignty shouldn’t be apathy or outrage, but gratitude, joy, and abiding peace as we get to live in cooperation with the work He is doing and the story He is telling.

Slide

Is there a situation where you have been fighting for control, convinced you know what the best outcome is? Would you consider laying that down at the feet of the God of the universe? Because the truth is, He is already in control, it’s just a matter of whether we will choose to partner with Him in trust and submission or fight against Him in pride, doubting His goodness and His sovereignty.

Godfidence- End in Prayer
Slide

Father,

You are sovereign, and I am so grateful for that. Surrendering control is scary, but I want to do it because I know you are not just sovereign, You are also just, kind, and abounding in love. You see what I cannot see, and You move in ways I often don’t understand. Please help me to trust You with the things that are most precious to me.

From Your goodness, through Your power, and for Your glory, God,

amen.

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“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” 

Jeremiah 10:23

Behind the Scenes

The sentiment from today’s verse is found several times throughout the Bible. Here are just a few examples: 

  • Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 
  • Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. 
  • Isaiah 46:10-11 My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. 
  • Daniel 4:35 …he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” 

These scriptures point us toward an attribute of God: He is sovereign. We call some of God’s attributes communicable, meaning they are attributes that God’s people can reflect. These communicable attributes include His holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness, among others. We are called to be holy as he is holy, to do justly, to be merciful, and to grow in faithfulness. 

Sovereignty, however, is an incommunicable attribute of God. It is an attribute only God exhibits. God’s sovereignty means nothing is outside of His control.  

Make it Real

God has an eternal plan and is actively working in all things for our good and for His glory. That is a huge source of peace for me! We brought our seven-month-old foster daughters home from the hospital when they were three days old. We have no idea how long they will be with us, and it has certainly been an exercise in trusting in God’s sovereignty.  

People often ask if we want to adopt the twins, and the most honest answer I can give is that I am so glad the decision is not mine to make. Don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE for the girls to remain a part of our family! At the same time, I am passionate about family preservation. I am cheering for their birth parents as they work hard to create a stable and healthy lifestyle they can bring their daughters back into. And when I say I’m glad the decision isn’t mine, I’m not blindly placing my trust in the Office of Children’s Services either. I am placing my trust in our sovereign God, knowing their little lives are in His hands.  

You see, the unknowns and lack of control we have experienced as foster parents have helped me realize how little control we have over any of our kids’ lives: biological, adopted, or fostered. I know the kids in my home will grow up hearing about God’s love, but nothing I do can guarantee they will choose to love God. I don’t know what the future holds for the twins. Or for Addy. Or for Alise. Or for Devon. I DO know that God is good. I know He is strong and able. And I know He loves my kids more than I ever could. 

With that assurance, I am freed to let go of my striving and release the burden of it all depending on me. Instead, I can be grateful for the role God has asked me to play in all my kids’ lives for however long He wills. As the lyrics of a Casting Crowns song say, “How refreshing to know You don’t need me. How amazing to find that You want me.” The response to God’s sovereignty shouldn’t be apathy or outrage, but gratitude, joy, and abiding peace as we get to live in cooperation with the work He is doing and the story He is telling.  

Is there a situation where you have been fighting for control, convinced you know what the best outcome is? Would you consider laying that down at the feet of the God of the universe? Because the truth is, He is already in control, it’s just a matter of whether we will choose to partner with Him in trust and submission or fight against Him in pride, doubting His goodness and His sovereignty.  

Hailey Schroeder

Hailey Schroeder

ACF Devo Team

End in Prayer

Father,  

You are sovereign, and I am so grateful for that. Surrendering control is scary, but I want to do it because I know you are not just sovereign, You are also just, kind, and abounding in love. You see what I cannot see, and You move in ways I often don’t understand. Please help me to trust You with the things that are most precious to me.  

From Your goodness, through Your power, and for Your glory, God,  

amen. 

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