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- Oct 26, 2007
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So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of God, for it fulfilled the LORD's message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh. 2 Chronicles 10:15 NLT
The act of thinking several steps ahead of an adversary, of considering every possible twist and turn of a contest so as to always come out on top, is described as “four-dimensional chess.” Some people fancy themselves experts at this imaginary game, but God is the undisputed champion.
Only the infinite God can give humans free will while remaining sovereign over every outcome. Read the history of Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and the division of Israel in 2 Chronicles 10 and 2 Kings 11, and you’ll see several examples of men making their own (often foolish) decisions, with God in the background mysteriously using those decisions for His own purposes.
The scripture above shows that Rehoboam’s obnoxious treatment of his own people led to Jeroboam’s rule over a breakaway Jewish nation…just as God had foreseen. Then, as Rehoboam prepared for civil war, a prophet brought a message of the Lord’s sovereignty: “‘Thus says the LORD: “You shall not go up or fight against your brethren! Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.” ’ ” (2 Chronicles 11:4).
However things may look to us, God is always “in charge here.” Consciously remind yourself that He is all-knowing and all-powerful—and leave the 4-D chess in His capable hands.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your wisdom—and Your goodness.
The act of thinking several steps ahead of an adversary, of considering every possible twist and turn of a contest so as to always come out on top, is described as “four-dimensional chess.” Some people fancy themselves experts at this imaginary game, but God is the undisputed champion.
Only the infinite God can give humans free will while remaining sovereign over every outcome. Read the history of Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and the division of Israel in 2 Chronicles 10 and 2 Kings 11, and you’ll see several examples of men making their own (often foolish) decisions, with God in the background mysteriously using those decisions for His own purposes.
The scripture above shows that Rehoboam’s obnoxious treatment of his own people led to Jeroboam’s rule over a breakaway Jewish nation…just as God had foreseen. Then, as Rehoboam prepared for civil war, a prophet brought a message of the Lord’s sovereignty: “‘Thus says the LORD: “You shall not go up or fight against your brethren! Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.” ’ ” (2 Chronicles 11:4).
However things may look to us, God is always “in charge here.” Consciously remind yourself that He is all-knowing and all-powerful—and leave the 4-D chess in His capable hands.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your wisdom—and Your goodness.
