Last
week, I began this blog. I wrote, “God
is working overtime in me today. The
Holy Spirit is guiding my thoughts as I sit down and write. God’s providence is something I’ve had on my
heart for several days.” It was something
that was mentioned in passing during our Bible study but not enough to really
delve into the subject matter. Many times we speak of God’s providence, but
what does that mean for mankind?
I
chatted briefly with my pastor about it later that week. My curiosity was peaked. We talked about whether the manner in which
Christ died was part of God’s providence.
Does it matter the way in which Christ died? Would it have been any less of a sacrifice if
He had died in some other way?
Certainly, there are people who go through much greater horrors in their
lives and yet, Christ still remains the ultimate sacrifice; our Redeemer and
Savior.
My pastor did a phenomenal sermon on it last
Sunday – you know the kind that gives you chills and you are taking notes non-stop? I’m going to give you my take away. I’m certainly not as profound as he but
hopefully, you will have a better grasp of what God’s providence means and how
it affects our lives.
First,
I’m going to help us define it, for providence can be a sort of ethereal type
of word that you kind of know what it means but aren’t exactly sure. Thank you, www.dictionary.com
for further clarification. I’m
only using the definitions I feel are relevant to this post.
·
God, especially when
conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind
with wise benevolence.
·
A manifestation of
divine care or direction.
Look at the words in this definition closely; care,
guidance, directing mankind and wise benevolence. Wow!
What a loving God we have that personally cares for ALL of His
creation. But what does this mean for us
in the day-to-day?
First of all, the providence of God refers to God’s
hand in our lives. He provides for us in
all times and seasons of life; this is His providential care. God works with us in a completely whole way;
he doesn’t do things halfway. Ultimately,
if we are living in God’s will, our choices become His; this is what reconciles
us to God. In essence, it keeps us in
line with the plans and purpose God has already set into motion for our
lives. We are not here
serendipitously. We are here to serve
God and glorify Him. How we do that is
up to Him. He provides us with the
means; it then becomes our job to fulfill it.
But here’s the caveat; we cannot take control of our
lives or else we will never experience God’s providence in our life. In
other words, let God be in control. Yes,
we have free will, but what are we going to do with it? Go out and do whatever we choose without so
much as a nod in His direction? A big
part of being in God’s will is the ability to discern what the Holy Spirit is
telling us. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes “Do
not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you be able to test and
approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” That, my friends, is discernment. We need to read His Word, pray, and consult
with other Christians if we are still unable to discern His will.
When praying, know that God not only answers prayers
but He does so according to His plan and purpose for your life. So, as you get on your knees and bow your
heads, listen for His answer; yes, not yet or no. “Yes” is yes; no explanation needed. If He says “Not yet,” it means be patient;
hard for us humans. Yet, we need to
trust Him and have faith. Lastly, He may
say “No.” Why would God say “No?” He’s telling us, “I’ve got something better
for you.”
So, walk in God’s path. Allow Him to be in control. Let His loving hands provide the providential
care we so longingly seek. He is greater
than we can imagine and so are His plans for our lives.
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