Sovereign Over All
So Aaron raised his hand over the waters of Egypt, and frogs came up and covered the whole land! But the magicians were able to do the same thing with their magic. They, too, caused frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.
Exodus 8:6-7 (NLT)
To the ancient Egyptians, frogs were sacred symbols of life, fertility and the future. By sending a plague of frogs, God wasn’t playing an annoying prank; He was undermining a symbol of Egypt's power and security. Essentially, God was showing that He alone is sovereign over all life and the future.
One of the more humorous aspects of this plague against Egypt is the response of the Egyptian magicians. When God sent the plague of frogs, filling every nook and cranny of the land, the magicians didn’t respond with the power to remove the pests—they only succeeded in producing more frogs. Think about it, what’s more problematic than a plague of frogs? Simply… more frogs.
The Egyptians’ humorous response points to a deeper truth: only God is truly sovereign. Human wisdom, effort or striving can’t produce life, secure the future or provide lasting safety—we can only (poorly) imitate what God has already created. The power belongs to Him alone.
At first glance, God’s sovereignty might feel limiting. The world tells us freedom comes from control—control over our lives, our circumstances, even other people. But Scripture shows us the opposite. True freedom is found in surrendering to the One who holds all things together.
When we acknowledge that God alone is sovereign, we are released from the crushing burden of trying to hold our lives in our own hands. We no longer have to manufacture outcomes or carry the weight of certainty. Instead, we’re invited to rest in His care.
In God’s kingdom, His sovereignty isn’t restrictive—it’s life-giving. It means we are secure even in uncertainty. It means provision is not on our shoulders but flows from His goodness. It means that even in seasons of loss, struggle or waiting, He is still in control, working all things together for our good and His glory. The same truth that steadied the Israelites all those years ago steadies us today. We’re not required to be the source of our own life, future or peace. God alone is that for us.
APPLICATION: Where do you need a reminder of God’s sovereign power in your life? Take a moment today to surrender those areas and your feelings to His awesome power.
PRAYER: Father, You alone have the power. Today, I surrender my needs, plans and hope to You. May Your faithful love guide, protect and provide for me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?