Ocean Liner

A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Someone once described the sovereignty of God as being like an ocean liner bound for port. While the ship is resolutely moving toward that destination, passengers are free to move about as they will. They are not in chains. In fact, they eat, sleep, play games, read, and talk as they please. All the while, the liner is still headed toward its predetermined port. It is a picture of freedom and sovereignty harmoniously taking place at the same time.

As children of God, each of us has the sovereign God as ruler in our hearts. This means that no matter what happens in life or what decisions we make, God resides in our hearts, steering us toward an ever-fixed mark. This is a comforting truth, because as humans, we don’t know what’s best for our lives; though we try to make good decisions, sometimes we just make the wrong ones. It’s wonderful to know that while we’re busy living and learning, God is at the helm of our lives working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

In the total expanse of human life, there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, “That is mine!”

ABRAHAM KUYPER