Each of the four Gospels has a very different purpose. John's purpose as a writer was not to give you an exhaustive chronology of Jesus, but the exact identity of Jesus. There's a principle that I want you to see in that: God doesn't give us all the information He has. He doesn't give us all the information we want. But He does give us all the information we need.

People often ask, "Why would God do this?" or, "Why would God allow this?" The correct answer is: "I don't know." Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children." God knows what you need to hear.

Here's another principle. God's timing is perfect—He's never late. One of the things we find over and over in the Gospels is just how accurate God's timing is.

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law" (Galatians 4:4-5). At the wedding in Cana, Jesus told his mother, "My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). Later, when He was facing crucifixion, He prayed, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You" (John 17:1).

Jesus was moving to the timetable set by the Father. Our heavenly Father is never late. He's right on time.

Following Jesus Christ is hard, but it sure beats the alternative. The Lord has led me into places that are highly uncomfortable, even painful, but it's always been fruitful and profitable. What's the alternative? Living an unimaginative, boring life.

The things that Jesus said in John 6 were so shocking that "many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more" (v. 66). They loved His works—the miracles and the healings—but they didn't like what He said, so they left.

Jesus asked His inner circle if they would also leave Him. Peter responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:68-69).

You and I could echo those words. After all that we've experienced, as difficult as it may be, where else would we go? Nowhere. It's the best life. You want an adventure? Follow Jesus. It's exciting!

One more principle: You can't force God to do what God doesn't want to do. We have a sovereign God. That means He's completely independent, totally autonomous, and always in control of everything. God is the only sovereign being in the universe.

When people ask why God would "do this or allow that," you know what God's answer is? "Because I'm God and you're not." He is sovereign. He acts according to His own perfect will.

Corrie ten Boom said, "Don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty." How's that for good theology? "Yes, sir. You're sovereign. You're God, and I'm not."

The quicker you learn that, the happier you'll become. It’s the key to happiness. Adjusting to God's sovereignty is always better than suffering the consequences of your obstinacy. Just "Yes, Lord."

When we accept His sovereignty, we can rest in the all-powerful hands of a living, loving Savior.

Have you surrendered to Him?