From a sermon by Senior Pastor George Wright, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

“For those who he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those who he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
Romans 8:29-30

Nothing surprises God.

He has a plan for every circumstance. His plan is always for His glory and for the good of His people. The Scripture verses today are monumental in understanding God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty, and showing that He is in control.

Think about it:

If I am in control, each day is a right and a privilege I think I deserve. With that perspective, I can only grow in pride and self-righteousness when things go my way, or experience anger and bitterness when things don’t go as I planned.
If God is in control, each day is a gift from Him. And when I see it as a gift, I grow in gratitude and thankfulness for what God has given me. 

If I am in control, there can only be hopelessness amid tragedy or suffering because I am reminded that I can do nothing to change my circumstances.
If God is in control, there is hope in the midst of tragedy or suffering because there is the promise that God will work all things for good for those who love Him.

If I am in control, tragedy is ultimate and final. It shows that I have failed because I could not control all things. 
If God is in control, tragedy is temporary in light of the promise of eternity.

Check out this incredibly powerful statement Paul makes just a few sentences later:

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (v. 32)

If God is sovereign, what do you have to fear?

NOTHING!

DIG DEEPER
Read “God is Able” also by George Wright