God’s Providence

There is something mysterious in our world that people do not understand; even Christians fail to recognize it, and it is God’s providence.

People refer to it as Good Luck or Bad Luck or that things just happened by chance.
“They could not fathom the mystery of His providence should they study with all their power for a lifetime.” Test. Vol. 4 p. 585
“There are also unsearchable mysteries in the plan of redemption, what finite minds can never comprehend…. God’s providence is a continual school, in which He is ever leading men to see the true aims of life.” Test. Vol. 4 p. 444

Joseph could not understand why he was sold to Egypt as a slave. Was it only because of the jealousy of his brothers, or was God behind it? Why was he put into prison for many years? Was it just the accusation of Potiphar’s wife or was it the providence of God? Was it just good luck or by chance that he was promoted as Prime Minister of Egypt? Many times he must have thought about these things.

Moses could not see the purpose of caring for the sheep in the land of Midian for 40 years. He had talents to do more demanding jobs. Was this all in the plan of God or was it because of his own mistake?

“Many are dissatisfied with their lifework. It may be that their surroundings are uncongenial; their time is occupied with commonplace work, when they think themselves capable of higher responsibilities; often their efforts seem to them to be unappreciated or fruitless; their future is uncertain. Let us remember that while the work we have to do may not be our choice, it is to be accepted as God’s choice for us.” M.H. p.472

It was the providence of God that Moses spent the 40 years in the commonplace work. After proving himself faithful in this humble work, the Lord called him to greater responsibility.
Millions of martyrs did not see the providence of God when they had to die for their faith. The’disciples did not understand why lohn the Baptist had to die so soon after he had started his public labours.

But one thing we do know, that to the child of God, nothing happens without a good purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28

Did God know that His faithful servant Job was suffering? Did Job accuse the Sabeans for killing his servants and taking away the oxen and asses? Did he accuse the Caldeans for stealing his camels? Did Job accuse Satan for his misfortune? No, Job recognized that evil men or Satan can do nothing to God’s children except;God permits it. Therefore he said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job. 1:21

Before all these disasters happened to Job the Lord knew exactly what he had to suffer and He did permit Satan to influence evil men to hurt him.
When we have suffered abuse or harassment, it all began with the Lord. He gave permission to Satan, and Satan influences people to hurt us. The Lord commended the angels who protected us to step aside and permitted the evil to come upon us. But yet always there is some good purpose behind it, some reason that we do not in this life fully understand.

It is very common to accuse other people for our miseries and troubles. Husbands and wives accuse one another for their unhappiness and therefore seek divorce. We may accuse our working companions and neighbours for offending us. Yet all these offences and hurts are in the plan of God to develop our characters for eternity. Jesus said, “Woe to the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Matt. 18:7

God permitted the King of Babylon to punish His people. “Behold I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord, and Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, My servant, and bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof.” Jer. 25:9

But later Babylon was punished for the offences that they inflicted upon God’s people. “Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her.” Jer. 51:8.

“It is because God is leading them that these things come upon them. Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success…. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge…. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified. The fact that we are called upon to endure trials shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He would not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines.” M.H. p. 471

Instead of complaining about our hardships and trials we should be thankful for them. If we murmur as did Ancient Israel the Lord may leave us alone and we will then perish in our sins as did Old Israel.
“It is dangerous to contend with the providence of God and to be dissatisfied with almost everything, as though there had been a special arrangement of circumstances to tempt and destroy.”

“The work of pruning and purifying to fit us for heaven is a great work and will cost us much suffering and trial, because our wills are not subjected to the will of Christ.” Test. Vol. 3 p. 67

Jacob complained of his misfortunes, “And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Simeon away: all these things are against me.” Gen. 42:36
Jacob failed to see the Lord’s providence. In the end he did not lose any of his children but the Lord tested him to see if he would accept these trials as Job did in the similar circumstances.

“Satan is exultant when he can lead the children of God into unbelief and despondency. He delights to see us mistrusting God, doubting His willingness and power to save us. He loves to have us feel that the Lord will do us harm by His providences. It is the work of Satan to represent the Lord as lacking in compassion and pity.” S.C. p. 116

Satan seeks to make religious life to appear toilsome and difficult. He wants people to think that God only gives sorrow and troubles and he and the world give joy and enjoyment.

On the contrary, even that the way to life seems narrow, yet it is a way of joy and happiness. David writes, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Ps. 16:11
Jesus said: “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.’ John 15:11

The joy and peace come to us by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Even among the trials we may feel happiness and joy in the Lord.
Paul had learned the lesson to enjoy the persecutions and distresses, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Cor. 12:10

The angels of God protect us and save us from 1000 dangers. Every moment of our lives is guided by God’s providence.
The purpose of God’s providence is our salvation. One day in heaven the Lord will reveal to us the meaning of all our trials and sorrows. When we understand that without them we would have been lost, then we will thank God for them.

In London, England a poet William Cowper in his melancholy depression decided to commit suicide. He asked his driver to take him to the bridge over the Thames River so that he can jump down to kill himself. All. evening the man drove looking for the bridge, but could not find it. Finally William told his driver to take him back home. Once at home he composed a beautiful hymn, which is in the Church hymnal #107.

“God moves in a mysterious way. His wonders to perform… ”
William Cowper recognized God’s providence and His loving care. The Lord is watching over us that not a hair will fall from our head without Him noticing it. And nothing will happen to us without His permission.

“Above the distractions of the earth God sits enthroned. All things are open to His divine survey, and from His great and calm eternity, He orders that which His providence sees best.” M.H. p. 417

If we only let Him guide us by His providence, we all will be in heaven one day. Let us then submit ourselves to His loving care without complaining and thank Him even if trials and affliction be our lot.
AMEN