Reclaiming God's True Sovereignty in a World That Blames Him for Human Choices

By Paul Scribner, CEO, General Holdings Limited and Raven Resources Corp.

With Kelly Delp, Chief Communications Officer, Raven Resources Corp.

As a corporate leader and communicator, not a theologian or pastor, I have spent my life navigating high-stakes decisions, complex systems, and real-world consequences. What I have found is that the most resilient organizations and people operate from a clear understanding of responsibility, authority, and design. The same principles that govern successful enterprises—clarity of roles, proper delegation of authority, and accountability for outcomes—apply equally to matters of faith.

In business, when systems fail, the first question isn't "Why did the CEO allow this?" The first question is: "Where did the breakdown in responsibility occur?" Yet when tragedy strikes our personal lives, we immediately ask a different question entirely.

From personal tragedies to global crises, the question echoes worldwide: Why did God let this happen?

Whether it's a broken heart, a natural disaster, or societal collapse, people across faiths – and even those who do not claim a faith - often point to God as the cause of their pain. This reveals a profound misunderstanding that has practical consequences: it creates a worldview that undermines both personal responsibility and effective action.

Having observed this pattern in countless business relationships, personal struggles, and community challenges, I believe we're dealing with one of the most mistaught concepts in the Abrahamic traditions: the sovereignty of God. Perhaps no other truth has been more distorted, leading people to harbor resentment toward the very God who loves them, while simultaneously absolving themselves of the responsibility to act.

Today, I want to explore what I've learned about God's sovereignty from a business leader's perspective—one that honors both His ultimate authority and the responsibility He has entrusted to us, while recognizing how this understanding appears across different faith traditions.

Understanding True Sovereignty: A Leadership Perspective

In my experience running organizations, true authority isn't about micromanaging every decision. The most effective leaders establish clear principles, delegate meaningful responsibility, and hold people accountable for results. They don't orchestrate every detail—they create systems that empower others to act within defined parameters.

God's sovereignty operates on this principle, but on an infinite level. It's about His supreme authority, unlimited power, and perfect right to rule over all creation.

"Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." — Psalm 115:3

"He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. None can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'" — Daniel 4:35

But here's what I've come to understand: God, in His sovereignty, made a strategic choice to delegate authority and responsibility to His image-bearers. This wasn't a limitation of His power—it was the ultimate expression of it.

In Genesis 1:26-28, we see the original organizational chart:
"Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule..."

God gave us stewardship over creation. In business terms, He made us regional managers with real authority and genuine accountability.

The Dangerous Misunderstanding: When Theology Meets Abdication

The trouble begins when people assume that God's sovereignty means He orchestrates every detail, including injustice, abuse, and suffering. This creates what I call "theological abdication"—a worldview that turns the loving God into a cosmic puppeteer while removing human agency from the equation.

I've seen this pattern destroy businesses, relationships, and personal growth. When people believe that every outcome is predetermined, they stop taking meaningful action. They become passive observers of their own lives.

You've probably heard these phrases, each representing a fundamental misunderstanding of authority and responsibility:

"God must have wanted my marriage to fail."
"If God wanted me healed, I would be healed."
"God is testing me by allowing this abuse."
"God allowed this to happen for a reason."

From a leadership standpoint, these statements reveal a catastrophic breakdown in understanding roles and responsibilities. They're not only theologically questionable—they're operationally destructive. They create a mindset that undermines both faith and action.

In my business experience, when teams operate under unclear authority structures, the result is always the same: paralysis, blame-shifting, and poor outcomes. The same dynamic occurs when we misunderstand God's sovereignty.

About the Authors

Paul Scribner is the CEO of General Holdings Limited and Raven Resources Corp., where he leads strategic investments, acquisitions, and operational transformations across multiple sectors. With over two decades of experience in corporate finance, restructuring, and international transactions, Paul brings a unique perspective that blends business leadership with thoughtful commentary on faith, responsibility, and personal growth.

Kelly Delp is the Chief Communications Officer at Raven Resources Corp., specializing in executive communications, brand positioning, and strategic storytelling. Her background spans nonprofit leadership, international communications, and content development for both corporate and faith-based initiatives. Kelly’s editorial voice helps bridge complex concepts with clarity and accessibility. Kelly writes at kellydelp.com.