Sovereignty Over Destiny: Understanding God’s Control and the Fallacy of Human Influence

By Oyewole Sarumi

In many parts of the world, particularly within some African communities, there exists a widespread belief in the influence of external powers—be they human, spiritual, or supernatural—that can alter one’s destiny. This belief is deeply rooted in the fear that something or someone outside of oneself can derail the course of one’s life, even determining the outcome of one’s future.

This misconception, often tied to witchcraft, spirit influence, and the idea of “destiny helpers,” continues to enslave many individuals and restrict their peace of mind.

One such example of this mindset involves a conversation (published in TCG) Sharon Mueni had with a family member, who feared the witches in their village could alter their destiny simply by their presence.

This fear led them to take extreme measures, such as avoiding the village altogether, convinced that their future could be manipulated by unseen forces. This story, though it might seem far-fetched to some, reflects a deeper spiritual crisis: a misunderstanding of who truly holds authority over one’s destiny.

In this article, we will explore the Christian understanding of God’s sovereignty over destiny, how this belief should reshape the way we view external influences on our lives, and why no human or spirit has the power to change the course that God has ordained for us. We will also look at the harmful implications of surrendering our fate to forces other than God and how true believers can rest assured in God’s unwavering control over their lives.

The Myth of Changing Destiny**

1. The Concept of Destiny in Modern Society

In many cultures, the concept of destiny is often intertwined with a sense of powerlessness. People feel as though their future is subject to the whims of others—whether that’s evil forces, individuals who have gained some supernatural power, or influential figures they regard as “destiny helpers.” This mindset fosters anxiety, as it implies that our fates are in the hands of others and that external factors such as location, environment, or the people we encounter could dramatically alter the course of our lives.

But this concept is fundamentally flawed from a Christian perspective. The Bible makes it clear that our lives are not governed by arbitrary forces, nor are they at the mercy of the whims of human beings. The truth of God’s sovereignty reveals that He is the only one who has authority over our destiny, and that nothing or no one can alter the path He has set before us.

Scriptural Assurance of God’s Sovereignty

The Bible speaks repeatedly about God’s absolute authority over our lives. Psalm 31:15 says, “My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” This verse serves as a profound reminder that God, not any other force or person, controls the timeline of our lives. Similarly, in Psalm 139:16, the psalmist writes, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” This scripture makes it clear that even before we were born, God knew every day of our lives, and He had already set the course for our future.

God’s sovereignty is not limited by our geographical location or circumstances. We are not at the mercy of others’ actions or the forces of darkness. The idea that anyone or anything can disrupt what God has planned for us is contrary to biblical teachings. Jesus Christ Himself assures us in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” If God’s sovereignty is so encompassing that even our eternal security is guaranteed in His hands, how much more can we trust that He governs the details of our earthly lives?

The Illusion of External Forces

1. The Power of Evil and the Devil: Limited by God’s Sovereignty

One might argue that while God is sovereign, evil forces, including witchcraft, the devil, and demonic influences, could still change one’s destiny. After all, the devil is referred to in the Bible as the “prince of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and he does indeed have power to deceive and manipulate. However, even the devil’s power is not absolute. Everything he does is under God’s control, and his actions must be permitted by God (Job 1:12; 2:6). In other words, no matter how much influence the enemy seems to have in the world, he is still subject to God’s ultimate authority.

This understanding should bring peace to the believer, as it assures us that no matter what spiritual forces might be at work around us, they cannot thwart God’s plan for our lives.

R.C. Sproul famously said, “If there is even one maverick molecule in the universe running loose outside the scope of God’s sovereign ordination, we cannot have the slightest confidence that any promise God has ever made about the future will come to pass.”

This quote serves as a powerful reminder that nothing, including the power of evil, can operate outside of God’s rule.

Moreover, 1 John 4:4 offers reassurance, saying, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” This verse emphasises that Christians are not vulnerable to evil forces because **God’s Spirit within us is more powerful than any external threat.

The Dangers of Believing in Human Power Over Destiny

1. Destiny Helpers and False Hope

The belief in “destiny helpers” is particularly prevalent in certain parts of the church, especially within the hyper-charismatic movements. These individuals are often seen as those who have supernatural insight or power to help someone change their destiny, sometimes through prophetic declarations or spiritual intervention. People may place their hope in these leaders, believing that their destiny is in the hands of these human agents.

This belief, while seemingly innocent or even well-intentioned, carries serious theological and spiritual consequences. It suggests that human beings, often fallible and flawed, have the power to control their lives. In reality, this belief undermines the sovereignty of God, making it seem as though He is not the ultimate authority. It also opens the door to idolatry, where individuals begin to trust in men rather than God.

The Harmful Effects of Fear and Anxiety

When Christians believe that someone or something other than God holds the power to change their destiny, they live in constant fear and anxiety. This fear can manifest in various ways, whether it’s the fear of witchcraft, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or failing to meet the right person. This lifestyle of fear is contrary to the peace that Christ offers His followers.

The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” True Christians are called to live in peace, knowing that their destiny is not in the hands of others but in God’s.

Entrusting Our Lives to God

1. Resting in God’s Sovereign Will

As believers, we must learn to trust in God’s sovereign will for our lives. This means not only acknowledging that He has the power to shape our destinies but also believing that His plan for us is good, even when we face challenges. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even when things seem difficult or uncertain, Christians are called to trust that God is working all things together for our good and His glory.

Just as a child trusts a loving parent, so too must we trust our Heavenly Father. In this trust, we find peace, security, and assurance that no one, be it a person or evil spirit, can alter what God has already set in place. The sovereignty of God is our anchor, and it frees us from the fear of external forces.
The Assurance of Eternal Security

Furthermore, Christians can rest assured in their eternal security. Once we are in God’s hands, no one can snatch us away. Jesus’ words in John 10:28-29 are clear: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” This passage not only promises eternal security but also reminds us that nothing can alter our future when we are in God’s care.

Conclusion

The belief that others can change our destiny is a lie that robs us of peace and places undue power in the hands of people or spiritual forces. As Christians, we are called to recognise and embrace the sovereignty of God. Nothing happens in our lives that is outside of His will, and no one can alter the path He has ordained for us.

Rather than living in fear of external forces, Christians are called to rest in the peace that comes from knowing that God holds our destiny in His hands. We are to trust in His wisdom, timing, and love, knowing that He will fulfil His purposes for us. When we trust in His sovereignty, we are free from the anxiety of trying to control our futures and can instead focus on living faithfully in the present.

As we journey through life, let us remember the words of Psalm 31:15: “My times are in your hands.” This is the ultimate assurance: our times, our lives, our destinies, are in the hands of a loving, sovereign God. And that is the safest place to be.

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