As Christians, providence is a truth we seldom mention, but a reality that is the ground of our consolation and hope. In an article in Christianity Today, Brad East unpacks some of the implications of providence.

He quotes Augustine, “The whole of creation is governed by its creator, from whom and by whom and in whom it was founded and established. And thus God’s will is the first and highest cause of all creatures and events.”

East goes on to explain that “providence is comprehensive, nothing is excluded from it. God wills some things actively, and these are ‘incontrovertibly good.’ But “God permits other things, and these are defects, errors, sufferings, or evils.” And here differences among theologians arise.

But despite their differences, all celebrate providence, for without its promise, Christians would find no consolation in a chaotic fallen world. Knowing that God works in and through all things for the good of his children (Romans 8:28) is an enormous impetus to persevere in following and serving Christ in spite of opposition, illness, or hindrances of many kinds.

East remind us that “the watchword for providence in all ages is Joseph’s response to his brothers: You intended it for evil, but God intended it for good (Gen 50:20).”

“Providence doesn’t make history easy to interpret. It makes living through it endurable.” Not only endurable but victorious because of the good news of Christ and his cross and resurrection. For he has entered history to overcome evil and lead us on in and through the murky waters of life.

“Here’s the difficult truth: The sheer fact that something has happened—that God willed or allowed it to happen—tells us nothing whatever about the thing itself. It may be a cause for celebration or lament, or, more likely a mixture of both…Sifting history” is a long game best left to its author.

Providence calls us to a life of faith, not faith in our own ability to discern the reasons for happenings, but faith in the God of providence. And “faith is the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1) nor understood.

Perhaps William Cowper described it best in his immortal hymn:

1. God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in the dark and hidden mines,
With never-failing skill,
He fashions all his bright designs
And works his sov’reign will.

Refrain:
So God we trust in you.
O God, we trust in you.
When tears are great and comforts few,
We hope in mercies ever new,
We trust in you.

2. Oh, fearful saints, new courage take:
The clouds that you now dread
Are big with mercy and will break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace.
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

3. God’s purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan his work in vain.
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

(article by Brad East, Christianty Today, Nov/Dec 20-24, Our Strength and Consolation, p. 84)

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