Providence
The truth stated "that GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHING."
3 key verses
Daniel 4 vs 35
Psalm 135 vs 6
Ephesians 1 vs 11
4 reasons why this should not surprise us
God made everything - should we therefore be surprised that He controls it ?
God has perfect foreknowledge - Acts 15 vs 18, 1 Peter 1 vs 11-12, - so there is no eventuality which 'takes Him by surprise'.
God is omnipotent - Psalm 115 vs 3 - nothing can break loose from His control.
God is free - Daniel 4 vs 35 - there is nothing within Himself to prevent Him doing all His will.
2 lessons to learn.
God controls everything - so 'chance' is ruled out. Prv 19 vs 21, 21 vs 1.
God controls everything - so 'fate' is also ruled out. Psalm 103 vs 19.
Objections answered
1. "If God controls everything, then I am not responsible for what I do"
We do are own will. But such is God's sovereignty that He is able to let us do as we please, and yet render certain that we will do what He has predetermined we should do. Gen 45 vs 3-8, 50 vs 20.
2. "If God controls everything, then things will turn out the same no matter what I do"
Our actions are not unimportant, but exceedingly important. God not only ordains (d), but also (a), (b) and (c) which leads to (d). Yet those actions are free - as we have seen.
3. "If God controls everything, then He must be the author of sin"
God has nothing to do with sin - James 1 vs 13, Isa 6 vs 3. We must face the fact that the responsibility for sin lies with us, although even our wicked acts bring God's purposes to pass - Acts 4 vs 28.. But in proclaiming God's holiness, we must never play down His total and complete sovereignty. Isa 45 vs 7.
4. "If God controls everything, how do you account for the sins of the righteous, and the prosperity of the wicked?"
Sin still remains in a believer's 'members' until the resurrection day - Rom 7 vs 14-25. Other men and women are in open rebellion against God - Rom 1 vs 18-32 - but all will be rectified at the Judgement - Rom 2 vs 1-16.