Providence

Providence is a difficult thing for me to get my mind around. God's will, will always happen. It may not look like what I want it to or think it should. I do not understand what is going on behind the scenes. This is God's power guiding human destiny, but what about when things seem to go wrong? 

Can anything outside of God's will happen? Yes, of course. Sin is not in the will of God. However, God being outside of time and all-powerful sees these choices long before they ever cross our paths and knows our decision. 

I have an extremely difficult time trying to explain what providence is and what it is not. I also have a hard time knowing what I truly believe about God's interaction with daily life on this planet. The American College Dictionary says this about providence, "a manifestation of God's divine care or direction over His creation." That sounds great, but what does it mean? 

Providence is not the thought that all things happen by chance. Providence isn't even the view that God is sitting back, passively observing the happenings of the world. John Calvin made the mistake of believing that all things are predestined, therefore every action is because God willed it. I cannot get on board with that because this belief makes God the author of evil. This avenue also means that God can thwart the free will of man. I also cannot believe that providence is always identifiable.  

I believe that providence shows up in miraculous and mundane.  Providence is best seen in hindsight. It is nearly impossible to see it in the midst of life. God is by nature the provider. What all does God provide? Answers to prayer for starters (no and wait are answers). Sometimes He provides things we don’t even know we need. He gives direction, material blessings, love and many other things that can fall into the category of providence. We can’t see the pattern or direction of the whole world.

Providence in scripture is somewhat easier to see. God fulfilled his prophecy through the person of Jesus Christ. Joseph was released from prison to become a ruler. God intervened in the life of the Hebrews. Hanna’s prayers for her son were answered. Haman and Mordecai’s action towards Esther shows God working in an obvious way. 

 I cannot explain why some things happen when they happen. I cannot tell you why some people live to be 102 and while others die during infancy. I cannot explain health or illness. All I can say is providence is much bigger than my finite mind.