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The Mystery of Providence
First published in the late seventeenth century, this Puritan classic by John Flavel sets forth the biblical teaching of God and his interaction in our lives. No detail is too small or insignificant for God; he is there working out "all things for good." And in that promise, every believer can take comfort that God truly has a purpose for every single person and will unfold his plan, which includes every detail in our daily lives.
290 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1678
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1894 people want to read
About the author
John Flavel
329 books87 followers"John Flavel (c.1627–1691) was an English Presbyterian clergyman, puritan, and author.
Flavel, the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Flavel, described as 'a painful and eminent minister,' who was incumbent successively of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Hasler and Willersey, Gloucestershire (from which last living he was ejected in 1662), was born in or about 1627 at Bromsgrove.
Having received his early education at the schools of the neighbourhood, he entered University College, Oxford, at an early age, and gained a good reputation for talent and diligence.
On 27 April 1650, he was sent by 'the standing committee of Devon' to Diptford, a parish on the Avon, five miles from Totnes, where the minister, Mr. Walplate, had become infirm. On 17 October 1650, after examination and the preaching of a 'trial sermon,' he was ordained Mr. Walplate's assistant by the classis at Salisbury. He continued to minister at Diptford for about six years, succeeding the senior minister when he died, and endearing himself greatly to the people, not only by his earnestness, but by his easy dealings with them in the matter of tithes.
In 1656 he removed to Dartmouth, though the Diptford emoluments were much greater. On the passing of the Act of Uniformity (1662) he was ejected, but continued to preach in private until the Five Mile Act drove him from Dartmouth. He kept as near it, however, as possible, removing to Slapton, five miles off, and there preached twice each Sunday to all who came, among whom were many of his old parishioners. On the granting of the indulgence of 1671 he returned to Dartmouth, and continued to officiate there even after the liberty to do so was withdrawn. In the end he found himself obliged to remove to London, travelling by sea and narrowly escaping shipwreck in a storm, which is said to have ceased in answer to his prayers. Finding that he would be safer at Dartmouth he returned there, and met with his people nightly in his own house, until in 1687, on the relaxation of the penal laws, they built a meeting-house for him. Just before his death he acted as moderator at a meeting of dissenting ministers held at Topsham. He died suddenly of paralysis at Exeter on 26 June 1691, and was buried in Dartmouth churchyard. Wood bitterly comments on the violence of his dissent."
-- Wikipedia
Flavel, the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Flavel, described as 'a painful and eminent minister,' who was incumbent successively of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Hasler and Willersey, Gloucestershire (from which last living he was ejected in 1662), was born in or about 1627 at Bromsgrove.
Having received his early education at the schools of the neighbourhood, he entered University College, Oxford, at an early age, and gained a good reputation for talent and diligence.
On 27 April 1650, he was sent by 'the standing committee of Devon' to Diptford, a parish on the Avon, five miles from Totnes, where the minister, Mr. Walplate, had become infirm. On 17 October 1650, after examination and the preaching of a 'trial sermon,' he was ordained Mr. Walplate's assistant by the classis at Salisbury. He continued to minister at Diptford for about six years, succeeding the senior minister when he died, and endearing himself greatly to the people, not only by his earnestness, but by his easy dealings with them in the matter of tithes.
In 1656 he removed to Dartmouth, though the Diptford emoluments were much greater. On the passing of the Act of Uniformity (1662) he was ejected, but continued to preach in private until the Five Mile Act drove him from Dartmouth. He kept as near it, however, as possible, removing to Slapton, five miles off, and there preached twice each Sunday to all who came, among whom were many of his old parishioners. On the granting of the indulgence of 1671 he returned to Dartmouth, and continued to officiate there even after the liberty to do so was withdrawn. In the end he found himself obliged to remove to London, travelling by sea and narrowly escaping shipwreck in a storm, which is said to have ceased in answer to his prayers. Finding that he would be safer at Dartmouth he returned there, and met with his people nightly in his own house, until in 1687, on the relaxation of the penal laws, they built a meeting-house for him. Just before his death he acted as moderator at a meeting of dissenting ministers held at Topsham. He died suddenly of paralysis at Exeter on 26 June 1691, and was buried in Dartmouth churchyard. Wood bitterly comments on the violence of his dissent."
-- Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
June 20, 2023
2023: In every paragraph you’ll find some encouragement for your walk with the Lord. Such a rich book! Love it, love it, love it.
2020: The Puritan authors become richer the more you read them. What a gift to be able to read them!
2019: Fantastic. This book along with Matthew Henry's The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit, All Things for Good, and The Art of Contentment by T. Watson, and also The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by J. Burroughs are a wonderful curriculum to learn how to submit to God's perfect Providence.
2020: The Puritan authors become richer the more you read them. What a gift to be able to read them!
2019: Fantastic. This book along with Matthew Henry's The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit, All Things for Good, and The Art of Contentment by T. Watson, and also The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by J. Burroughs are a wonderful curriculum to learn how to submit to God's perfect Providence.
May 26, 2016
Took me a while to fully appreciate the book. The first half focuses a little too much on "be thankful you're not this other guy who's suffering" (except what if you just happen to be that other guy?). But the second half is absolutely marvelous in its focus on faith over fear and trust in the sovereignty of God.
April 30, 2023
A classic work of Puritan doctrinal preaching on the subject of Providence. There is a ton of application, and Flavel is a master of potent illustrations. The book gets denser as Flavel progresses through his subject. It is well organized and he clearly introduces each section and sub-section. The divisions introduced by the publisher are helpful, as are the italicized topic sentences at points.
February 9, 2011
It is widely believed that Puritans were dry, old men that were difficult to understand. I was pleasantly disillusioned by John Flavel’s marvelous little book. Apart from the reading being easy to follow, though never trite, I found the subject of God’s providence to be excellently handled, and the author's observations and conclusions to be enlightening to my soul.
In a systematic fashion, Flavel first lays down the groundwork for the reader, surrounding the reader with all the evidences of Providence that accompany the saint day to day throughout his life, even from before conversion. With these proofs, he then compels the reader to a deeper and more coherent meditation of Providence, and how, consequently, the saint’s observations and conclusions are to be applied to daily life.
Though ordered, Flavel is never dull. His book throbs with doxology to the Most High. Masterfully and humbly, he brings the reader to the conclusion that not a moment of the saint’s life goes by that God did not specially shape for his good and God’s own glory.
In a systematic fashion, Flavel first lays down the groundwork for the reader, surrounding the reader with all the evidences of Providence that accompany the saint day to day throughout his life, even from before conversion. With these proofs, he then compels the reader to a deeper and more coherent meditation of Providence, and how, consequently, the saint’s observations and conclusions are to be applied to daily life.
Though ordered, Flavel is never dull. His book throbs with doxology to the Most High. Masterfully and humbly, he brings the reader to the conclusion that not a moment of the saint’s life goes by that God did not specially shape for his good and God’s own glory.
August 6, 2015
Arguably, the definable strength of the Puritans lied in their ability to take a subject (like the providence of God) and squeeze out all that Scripture teaches on the matter. Flavel handles his task with theological precision and cogent application.
It's easy to recognize God at work when circumstances seem to confirm His sovereign arrangements in our lives. It's not such a simple (nor painless) task when everything around us is turmoil and confusion. But Flavel demonstrates from numerous biblical precepts and examples that though God's dealings are indeed mysterious, they are always exacting and purposeful.
After encouraging the reader to derive needful wisdom and comfort from this fact, the author then proceeds to instruct how it is that we might go about meditating upon and applying the overarching theme of God's providence to our lives.
As with most writings from this time period and genre, the text will hardly honor the reader who assumes that he might flippantly peruse it. One who prefers quick-fix, quasi-spiritual literature will find nothing appealing in Flavel's efforts. But for the person who will give the time to apprehend this most sacred of subjects, he will not be disappointed with the assistance of The Mystery of Providence.
It's easy to recognize God at work when circumstances seem to confirm His sovereign arrangements in our lives. It's not such a simple (nor painless) task when everything around us is turmoil and confusion. But Flavel demonstrates from numerous biblical precepts and examples that though God's dealings are indeed mysterious, they are always exacting and purposeful.
After encouraging the reader to derive needful wisdom and comfort from this fact, the author then proceeds to instruct how it is that we might go about meditating upon and applying the overarching theme of God's providence to our lives.
As with most writings from this time period and genre, the text will hardly honor the reader who assumes that he might flippantly peruse it. One who prefers quick-fix, quasi-spiritual literature will find nothing appealing in Flavel's efforts. But for the person who will give the time to apprehend this most sacred of subjects, he will not be disappointed with the assistance of The Mystery of Providence.
March 24, 2020
Que bálsamo é ler a respeito da providência divina! Em uma época como a atual, é um alento para a alma!
Flavel diz: "O mais longo dia de tribulação terá um fim, e se mil problemas forem designados para vocês, eles terão que chegar a um fim" (p. 82).
Flavel diz: "O mais longo dia de tribulação terá um fim, e se mil problemas forem designados para vocês, eles terão que chegar a um fim" (p. 82).
February 24, 2016
I can sum this book up in two words. Beast mode.
November 19, 2024
An engaging and moving read by Flavel who takes such care to draw out the best of meat from his contemplating on the Providence of God in the Christian life. I definitely will be returning!
February 6, 2025
"The Mystery of Providence" does in 221 pages what takes John Piper 752 pages in his 2021 book “Providence”. That’s not a slight on Piper’s book, which I enjoyed thoroughly, but more of a commendation at what is compressed into such a short a work.
Overall, this may be my favorite Puritan Paperback. I found myself underlining entire pages. Flavel defines "Providence" as "the performance of God's gracious purposes and promises to His people," ... that which is the "great support and solace of the saints in all the distresses that befall them here," particularly the knowledge "that there is a wise Spirit sitting in all the wheels of motion and governing the most eccentric creatures and their most pernicious designs to blessed and happy issues."
John Flavel's work is organized into 3x simple sections:
PART 1. The Evidence of Providence
PART 2. Meditation on the Providence of God
PART 3. Application of the Doctrine of Providence
Below are some of my favorite quotes from these sections:
PART 1:
1. The Work of Providence for the Saints:
"Providence neither does nor can do anything that is really against the true interest and good of the saints."
2. Our Birth and Upbringing:
"Such has been the special care of Providence towards us that our turn to be brought upon the stage of this world was graciously reserved for better days ... sermons meet you frequently, so that you can scarcely shun or avoid the ordinances and instruments of your salvation." -- (if this was true in 1678 how much more so in 2023?)
3. The Work of Conversion:
"In nothing does Providence shine forth more gloriously in this world than in ordering the occasions, instruments, and means of conversion of the people of God."
4. Our Employment:
"Now to have an honest and lawful employment, in which you do not dishonour God in benefiting yourselves, is no small mercy. But if it is not only lawful in itself, but suited to your genius and strength, there is a double mercy in it."
5. Family Affairs:
"In this the Lord often goes beyond our thoughts and plans; yea, and often crosses men's desires and designs to their great advantage. Not what they expect, but what His infinite wisdom judges best and most beneficial for them takes place."
6. Preservation of the Saints from Evil:
"Though Providence keep you, yet it is in the way of your duty."
7. The Work of the Sanctification:
"He sends forth Providence to smite those creatures on which our affections are either inordinately or excessively set, or else to turn them into rods, and smite us with them."
PART 2:
8. The Duty of Meditation on Providence:
"Without due observation of the works of Providence no praise can be rendered to God for any of them. Praise and thanksgiving for mercies depend upon this act of observation of them, and cannot be performed without it."
9. How to Meditate on the Providence of God:
"In all the sad and afflictive providences that befall you, eye God as the author and orderer of them also ... set before you the sovereignty of God. Eye Him as a Being infinitely superior to you, at whose pleasure you and all you have subsist (Ps. 115:3), which is the most conclusive reason and argument for submission (Ps. 46:10) ... set the faithfulness of the Lord before you under the saddest providences."
10. The Advantages of Meditating on Providence:
"How can a sanctified heart do less than melt into tears while it either considers the dealing of God from time to time with it, or compares the mercies received with the sins committed, or the different administrations of Providence towards itself and others ... the observation of Providence will both beget and secure inward tranquility in your minds, amidst the vicissitudes and revolutions of things in this unstable vain world."
PART 3:
11. Practical Implications for the Saints:
"Everything is well and shall be well, when all is well between us and God. The great consolation of the saints lies in this, that all that concerns them is in the hands of their Father."
12. Practical Problems in Connection with Providence:
"Nothing can be more precise, certain, and punctual than is the performance of mercy at the time and season which God has appointed, however long it is, or however many obstacles lie in the way of it."
13. The Advantages of Recording our Experiences of Providence:
"Do not trust your slippery memories ... take heed of clasping up those rich treasures in a book ... beware of slighting former straits and dangers in comparison with present ones. That which is next to us always appears greatest to us. Make it as much your business to preserve the sense and value as the memory of former providences, and the fruit will be sweet to you."
Overall, this may be my favorite Puritan Paperback. I found myself underlining entire pages. Flavel defines "Providence" as "the performance of God's gracious purposes and promises to His people," ... that which is the "great support and solace of the saints in all the distresses that befall them here," particularly the knowledge "that there is a wise Spirit sitting in all the wheels of motion and governing the most eccentric creatures and their most pernicious designs to blessed and happy issues."
John Flavel's work is organized into 3x simple sections:
PART 1. The Evidence of Providence
PART 2. Meditation on the Providence of God
PART 3. Application of the Doctrine of Providence
Below are some of my favorite quotes from these sections:
PART 1:
1. The Work of Providence for the Saints:
"Providence neither does nor can do anything that is really against the true interest and good of the saints."
2. Our Birth and Upbringing:
"Such has been the special care of Providence towards us that our turn to be brought upon the stage of this world was graciously reserved for better days ... sermons meet you frequently, so that you can scarcely shun or avoid the ordinances and instruments of your salvation." -- (if this was true in 1678 how much more so in 2023?)
3. The Work of Conversion:
"In nothing does Providence shine forth more gloriously in this world than in ordering the occasions, instruments, and means of conversion of the people of God."
4. Our Employment:
"Now to have an honest and lawful employment, in which you do not dishonour God in benefiting yourselves, is no small mercy. But if it is not only lawful in itself, but suited to your genius and strength, there is a double mercy in it."
5. Family Affairs:
"In this the Lord often goes beyond our thoughts and plans; yea, and often crosses men's desires and designs to their great advantage. Not what they expect, but what His infinite wisdom judges best and most beneficial for them takes place."
6. Preservation of the Saints from Evil:
"Though Providence keep you, yet it is in the way of your duty."
7. The Work of the Sanctification:
"He sends forth Providence to smite those creatures on which our affections are either inordinately or excessively set, or else to turn them into rods, and smite us with them."
PART 2:
8. The Duty of Meditation on Providence:
"Without due observation of the works of Providence no praise can be rendered to God for any of them. Praise and thanksgiving for mercies depend upon this act of observation of them, and cannot be performed without it."
9. How to Meditate on the Providence of God:
"In all the sad and afflictive providences that befall you, eye God as the author and orderer of them also ... set before you the sovereignty of God. Eye Him as a Being infinitely superior to you, at whose pleasure you and all you have subsist (Ps. 115:3), which is the most conclusive reason and argument for submission (Ps. 46:10) ... set the faithfulness of the Lord before you under the saddest providences."
10. The Advantages of Meditating on Providence:
"How can a sanctified heart do less than melt into tears while it either considers the dealing of God from time to time with it, or compares the mercies received with the sins committed, or the different administrations of Providence towards itself and others ... the observation of Providence will both beget and secure inward tranquility in your minds, amidst the vicissitudes and revolutions of things in this unstable vain world."
PART 3:
11. Practical Implications for the Saints:
"Everything is well and shall be well, when all is well between us and God. The great consolation of the saints lies in this, that all that concerns them is in the hands of their Father."
12. Practical Problems in Connection with Providence:
"Nothing can be more precise, certain, and punctual than is the performance of mercy at the time and season which God has appointed, however long it is, or however many obstacles lie in the way of it."
13. The Advantages of Recording our Experiences of Providence:
"Do not trust your slippery memories ... take heed of clasping up those rich treasures in a book ... beware of slighting former straits and dangers in comparison with present ones. That which is next to us always appears greatest to us. Make it as much your business to preserve the sense and value as the memory of former providences, and the fruit will be sweet to you."
February 15, 2013
It is amazing how often my belief in God’s sovereignty gets put on the shelf in real life. I know God rules over all and is working all things for my good. Yet so often I live a very naturalistic life. I assume that I rule over all and it is up to me to direct my life for good.
Pastor John Flavel slowly, but surely exposes this faulty way of thinking. He does this by examining God’s providence in our lives. Like any good Puritan pastor he takes this doctrine and examines it from numerous different angles. He talks about the various evidences of God’s providence in our lives, including our jobs, churches, conversions, and where we live. He then moves on to tell us how we can meditate on God’s providence. Finally, he ends by examining some problems with providence and how we can take advantage of God’s providential dealings in our lives.
One emphasis throughout the book was on remembering and even writing down God’s providences. This was great advice. We forget so easily all that God has done for us. Storing up those past works of God will give us courage when we face difficult circumstances in the future.
The result of this book in my life was twofold: I wanted to give the Lord praise for all he has done, is doing and will do in my life. I wanted to deepen my trust in the Lord while I go through “dark providences.” Flavel does not pretend that God’s providences are always sunshine. Often they are hard and he brings storms to make wreck of our lives. He gives excellent advice on how to trust in God in the midst of those situations.
The Mystery of Providence is a wonderful companion to The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs.
Pastor John Flavel slowly, but surely exposes this faulty way of thinking. He does this by examining God’s providence in our lives. Like any good Puritan pastor he takes this doctrine and examines it from numerous different angles. He talks about the various evidences of God’s providence in our lives, including our jobs, churches, conversions, and where we live. He then moves on to tell us how we can meditate on God’s providence. Finally, he ends by examining some problems with providence and how we can take advantage of God’s providential dealings in our lives.
One emphasis throughout the book was on remembering and even writing down God’s providences. This was great advice. We forget so easily all that God has done for us. Storing up those past works of God will give us courage when we face difficult circumstances in the future.
The result of this book in my life was twofold: I wanted to give the Lord praise for all he has done, is doing and will do in my life. I wanted to deepen my trust in the Lord while I go through “dark providences.” Flavel does not pretend that God’s providences are always sunshine. Often they are hard and he brings storms to make wreck of our lives. He gives excellent advice on how to trust in God in the midst of those situations.
The Mystery of Providence is a wonderful companion to The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs.
August 22, 2022
"O how ravishing and delectable a sight will it be to behold at one view the whole design of Providence, and the proper place and use of every single act, which we could not understand in this world! What Christ said to Peter is as applicable to some providences in which we are now concerned as it was to that particular action: 'What I do, thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter' (John 13. 7). All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended, and sometimes amazed, which we could neither reconcile with the promise nor with each other, nay, which we so unjustly censured and bitterly bewailed, as if they had fallen out quite against our happiness, we shall then see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, 'the right way to a city of habitation' (Ps. 107. 7)."
October 8, 2023
Providence is defined in the Westminster Shorter Catechism as God’s “most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions.” This statement presupposes that God is the Creator of all things, and as such, has the prerogative to do whatever He wishes with it. When things occur in our life that don’t seem to make sense, or that we have a hard time seeing a good reason for, the believer who has faith in an all-wise, good God clings to the truth that He is still in control, and that He has a purpose for everything that happens, not only for His plan in general, but even for me as an individual child of His.
Flavel begins The Mystery of Providence by setting forth many evidences from scripture that show how God can and has used His creation for His purposes, and in particular, in the lives of His people. There are countless incidents recorded in the Bible in which God uses animals, weather, sickness, “natural causes,” time, and people to bring about His plan. After laying down this groundwork, the author proceeds to look at various aspects of a person’s life that are part of God’s eternal providential plan for them. These really gave me pause to think about the fact that the following are aspects of God’s providence in my life:
-Where and when I was born
-The family and economic setting in which I was raised
-My religious upbringing
-The circumstances surrounding my conversion
-My education
-My health
-My past and current occupation
-Preservation from evil/harm
-God’s sanctifying work
Have you ever thought much about the first item on this list? Flavel makes this point, writing in 1678 England:
"Suppose your mothers had brought you forth in America, among the savage Indians, who herd together as brute beasts, are scorched with heat, and starved with cold, being naked, destitute and defenseless. How poor, miserable, and unprovided with earthly comfort and accommodations are many millions of the inhabitants of this world!"
Flavel’s point is that you could’ve been born under much different, less comfortable circumstances than you were. Each of us has our own history, which is really His story for us, and He had a reason for it. This is helpful to keep in mind if we ever start to regret or complain about these things in our life, particularly that we had no choice or control over.
If you’ve ever taken the time to write, or had the opportunity to share your testimony of God’s saving work in your life, you’ve thought about the people and circumstances that God used to save you. Flavel writes,
"In nothing does Providence shine forth more gloriously in this world than in ordering the occasions, instruments, and means of conversion of the people of God. However skillfully its hand had moulded your bodies, however tenderly it had preserved them and bountifully it had provided for them; if it had not also ordered some means or other for your conversion, all the former favours and benefits it had done for you had meant little."
Of course God’s work doesn’t cease once we are saved; He continues the work of sanctification in our lives to make us holy and more like Christ. Flavel explains,
"There are two means or instruments employed in this work. The Spirit, who effects it internally (Rom. 8:13), and Providence, which assists it externally. The Spirit indeed is the principal agent, upon whose operation the success of this work depends…The most wise God orders the dispensations of Providence in a blessed subordination to the work of His Spirit."
Because of the weakness of our flesh and the sin nature that still dwells in us, we still are prone to wander and to give in to temptation, to become worldly-minded, lazy or complacent, or to become proud and self-sufficient. God does not change our hearts and save us, only to then leave us to fend for ourselves! No, He continues to work in our lives for His purposes and according to His pleasure (Phil. 2:13). He uses many things, including affliction, to mold and prune us. And the means and methods He uses are unique and chose specifically for each person. It is unwise and evidences a lack of trust in God’s wisdom if we compare what we are going through with others and question what He is doing.
In the second section, Flavel exhorts the reader to take the time to meditate often on the Providence of God in his or her life, especially during times of trial. In fact, he asserts that it is the duty of the Christian to do so, and it is a sin to neglect to do so. Many times we read in scripture a command to “Remember God’s works”, to “Behold the hand of God,” or to “Tell of His wondrous deeds.” The people of Israel were condemned for “forgetting His works.” He makes the following observations:
“Without due observation of the works of Providence no praise can be rendered to God for any of them.”
“Without this we lose the usefulness and benefit of all the works of God for us or others.”
“It is a vile slighting of God not to observe what He manifests of Himself in His providences.”
“Men can never order their addresses to God in prayer, suitable to their conditions, without due observation of His providences.”
Flavel provides some helpful suggestions for how to think and meditate on God’s Providence, both good and bad. He exhorts us not to “pry too curiously into the secrets of Providence,” in other words, not to try too hard to read God’s mind and intentions. If something “bad” happens in our life, this doesn’t mean He is correcting or punishing us; likewise when something good happens it’s not necessary to reward us or that we deserve it. After all, we know that providentially good things happen to the wicked all the time. Some things it is just not our place to know, and we just need to submit to God’s will and trust in His wisdom and goodness. Flavel reminds us that if we can be assured that everything that happens in our life comes from the hand of God, we can be at peace, trusting that He knows what is best and needful for us. Flavel writes,
"Why should we be cast down under sad providences while we have so great security that even by the hands of these providences God will do us good, and all these things shall turn to our salvation (Rom. 8:28). By these God is but killing your lusts, weaning your hearts from a vain world, preventing temptations and exciting your desires after heaven. This is all the hurt they shall do you, and shall that sadden us?"
Flavel ends with practical applications related to Providence, such as how to pray about situations and patiently wait for God to answer according to His will. Accepting something to be God’s will does not mean we give up praying for an answer or positive outcome, thus we end our prayers with “Thy will be done.” Flavel says, “Enjoyment of your desires is the thing that will please you, but resignation of our wills is that which is pleasing to God.”
One insight that I found helpful is how Flavel explains that difficult providences in our life can be what he calls sanctifying. The way we can tell if this is the case, is if these hard things in our life result in obedience, submission, humility, or stronger faith, then they serve a purging or sanctifying purpose. Flavel explains that, “the events of Providence fall out so opposite to each other upon the godly and ungodly, everything furthering the eternal good of the one, and the ruin of the other.” In fact, “as the worst things are ordered to the benefit of the saints, so the best things wicked men enjoy do them no good.”
I found The Mystery of Providence to have a lot of helpful instruction and reminders supported by Scripture throughout, about how God works and uses various means in our life for His purposes and for our good if we are His child. It also served as a good reminder of why it’s important to reflect often on this, even to write down and talk with others of how we see God’s hand at work in the past as well as currently in our lives. And as we see the world seemingly spinning out of control, with evil being called good, and the wicked prospering, it is crucial for our peace of mind and heart to rest in the perfect, eternal purposes of God being played out through His providence.
Flavel begins The Mystery of Providence by setting forth many evidences from scripture that show how God can and has used His creation for His purposes, and in particular, in the lives of His people. There are countless incidents recorded in the Bible in which God uses animals, weather, sickness, “natural causes,” time, and people to bring about His plan. After laying down this groundwork, the author proceeds to look at various aspects of a person’s life that are part of God’s eternal providential plan for them. These really gave me pause to think about the fact that the following are aspects of God’s providence in my life:
-Where and when I was born
-The family and economic setting in which I was raised
-My religious upbringing
-The circumstances surrounding my conversion
-My education
-My health
-My past and current occupation
-Preservation from evil/harm
-God’s sanctifying work
Have you ever thought much about the first item on this list? Flavel makes this point, writing in 1678 England:
"Suppose your mothers had brought you forth in America, among the savage Indians, who herd together as brute beasts, are scorched with heat, and starved with cold, being naked, destitute and defenseless. How poor, miserable, and unprovided with earthly comfort and accommodations are many millions of the inhabitants of this world!"
Flavel’s point is that you could’ve been born under much different, less comfortable circumstances than you were. Each of us has our own history, which is really His story for us, and He had a reason for it. This is helpful to keep in mind if we ever start to regret or complain about these things in our life, particularly that we had no choice or control over.
If you’ve ever taken the time to write, or had the opportunity to share your testimony of God’s saving work in your life, you’ve thought about the people and circumstances that God used to save you. Flavel writes,
"In nothing does Providence shine forth more gloriously in this world than in ordering the occasions, instruments, and means of conversion of the people of God. However skillfully its hand had moulded your bodies, however tenderly it had preserved them and bountifully it had provided for them; if it had not also ordered some means or other for your conversion, all the former favours and benefits it had done for you had meant little."
Of course God’s work doesn’t cease once we are saved; He continues the work of sanctification in our lives to make us holy and more like Christ. Flavel explains,
"There are two means or instruments employed in this work. The Spirit, who effects it internally (Rom. 8:13), and Providence, which assists it externally. The Spirit indeed is the principal agent, upon whose operation the success of this work depends…The most wise God orders the dispensations of Providence in a blessed subordination to the work of His Spirit."
Because of the weakness of our flesh and the sin nature that still dwells in us, we still are prone to wander and to give in to temptation, to become worldly-minded, lazy or complacent, or to become proud and self-sufficient. God does not change our hearts and save us, only to then leave us to fend for ourselves! No, He continues to work in our lives for His purposes and according to His pleasure (Phil. 2:13). He uses many things, including affliction, to mold and prune us. And the means and methods He uses are unique and chose specifically for each person. It is unwise and evidences a lack of trust in God’s wisdom if we compare what we are going through with others and question what He is doing.
In the second section, Flavel exhorts the reader to take the time to meditate often on the Providence of God in his or her life, especially during times of trial. In fact, he asserts that it is the duty of the Christian to do so, and it is a sin to neglect to do so. Many times we read in scripture a command to “Remember God’s works”, to “Behold the hand of God,” or to “Tell of His wondrous deeds.” The people of Israel were condemned for “forgetting His works.” He makes the following observations:
“Without due observation of the works of Providence no praise can be rendered to God for any of them.”
“Without this we lose the usefulness and benefit of all the works of God for us or others.”
“It is a vile slighting of God not to observe what He manifests of Himself in His providences.”
“Men can never order their addresses to God in prayer, suitable to their conditions, without due observation of His providences.”
Flavel provides some helpful suggestions for how to think and meditate on God’s Providence, both good and bad. He exhorts us not to “pry too curiously into the secrets of Providence,” in other words, not to try too hard to read God’s mind and intentions. If something “bad” happens in our life, this doesn’t mean He is correcting or punishing us; likewise when something good happens it’s not necessary to reward us or that we deserve it. After all, we know that providentially good things happen to the wicked all the time. Some things it is just not our place to know, and we just need to submit to God’s will and trust in His wisdom and goodness. Flavel reminds us that if we can be assured that everything that happens in our life comes from the hand of God, we can be at peace, trusting that He knows what is best and needful for us. Flavel writes,
"Why should we be cast down under sad providences while we have so great security that even by the hands of these providences God will do us good, and all these things shall turn to our salvation (Rom. 8:28). By these God is but killing your lusts, weaning your hearts from a vain world, preventing temptations and exciting your desires after heaven. This is all the hurt they shall do you, and shall that sadden us?"
Flavel ends with practical applications related to Providence, such as how to pray about situations and patiently wait for God to answer according to His will. Accepting something to be God’s will does not mean we give up praying for an answer or positive outcome, thus we end our prayers with “Thy will be done.” Flavel says, “Enjoyment of your desires is the thing that will please you, but resignation of our wills is that which is pleasing to God.”
One insight that I found helpful is how Flavel explains that difficult providences in our life can be what he calls sanctifying. The way we can tell if this is the case, is if these hard things in our life result in obedience, submission, humility, or stronger faith, then they serve a purging or sanctifying purpose. Flavel explains that, “the events of Providence fall out so opposite to each other upon the godly and ungodly, everything furthering the eternal good of the one, and the ruin of the other.” In fact, “as the worst things are ordered to the benefit of the saints, so the best things wicked men enjoy do them no good.”
I found The Mystery of Providence to have a lot of helpful instruction and reminders supported by Scripture throughout, about how God works and uses various means in our life for His purposes and for our good if we are His child. It also served as a good reminder of why it’s important to reflect often on this, even to write down and talk with others of how we see God’s hand at work in the past as well as currently in our lives. And as we see the world seemingly spinning out of control, with evil being called good, and the wicked prospering, it is crucial for our peace of mind and heart to rest in the perfect, eternal purposes of God being played out through His providence.
August 28, 2025
Lord, forgive me for not dwelling more on your Providence. How sweet it has been to read this book and dwell upon the mystery of God's Providence in my life and the life of the Church. How miraculous it is and how necessary were all of God's Providences to work out just so that I could be born, and how much more that I live and move and have my being. This book has been a sweet blessing to my soul, and it is a delight to think of God's Providences, not just the Providences we would deem as "sweet and good" but those we would deem "afflictions and difficulties". The Lord is Sovereign over all things, and His Providence bears this out for us.
August 26, 2024
Feels wrong to rate a puritan book so poorly (probably a 2.5 star) - seemed to mainly say, 'Well you could have it worse' for most of the first third, then asked you to remember all the great providences in your life for the second third without much meat added on that. Neither point is wrong, but maybe it just wasn't worded most encouragingly for me. Last third is worth a read though.
January 2, 2024
For it is ‘God that performeth all things for me’ (Ps. 57:2). This book is like a piece of gold waiting to be discovered… Its message of God's sovereignty and care for His people is the medicine our anxious generation needs. 10/10 recommend
December 22, 2025
Devotional but very practical. Excellent from start to finish.
November 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I started reading it in a men's study and recently finished after a few delays. The beginning and end were easier while the middle bogged me down a bit as it took longer to get through/process than I expected. I like the heavy emphasis on scripture, and I'd consider this a good resource to look back on.
February 23, 2021
Mind blowing book on God's Providence. You have to take it slowly, mind you. Each page is a treasure-trove.
July 30, 2024
Ein faszinierendes Werk! Dieses Buch ist ein Schatz. Man kann nur darüber staunen, wie Gott einzelne Menschen in dieser Welt mit unglaublichen Erkenntnissen und Einblicken gesegnet hat. Dieses Buch erfasst man nicht, indem man es nur einmal gelesen hat. Besonders der zweite Teil, wo es um das Nachsinnen der Vorsehung geht, ist sehr intensiv und tief. Die Gedankengänge sind nicht immer leicht zu erfassen, aber es lohnt sich, zu versuchen sie zu verstehen. Man profitiert sehr davon und wird im Glauben ermutigt. Jedenfalls wird man am Ende des Buches mehr über Gott staunen und sich über Gottes Vorsehung freuen. Ich empfehle es jedem Christen.
November 24, 2020
10 stars! Such a helpful book for fueling joy and thankfulness and trust in the Lord! I would say it’s especially timely in this season but I can’t think of a season when it wouldn’t be timely.
April 24, 2024
04/24/24 Excellent! The difference over a decade can make! I don't know how I missed what a gem this book is the first time I read it, but it contains so much encouragement and conviction of heart to always be seeing God's Hand in everything, good and bad, and to be praising Him for it all. It is particularly meaningful this time around in the season I am in. "I see my God will not lose my heart, if a rod can prevent it. He would rather hear me groan here than howl hereafter. His love is judicious, not fond. He consults my good rather than my ease." page 131
2008 To rest in the sovereignty of God is such a great comfort. To know that He cares for His children and that He truly works all things together for their good as well as His glory brings joy and contentment to this earthly existence. Flavel expounds on these eternal truths. Some of his chapters were quite long, but worth getting through.
2008 To rest in the sovereignty of God is such a great comfort. To know that He cares for His children and that He truly works all things together for their good as well as His glory brings joy and contentment to this earthly existence. Flavel expounds on these eternal truths. Some of his chapters were quite long, but worth getting through.
February 4, 2017
This is a practical and devotional book on God's providence that purposes to bolster the faith of those who are waivering in the midst of difficult circumstances, and rekindle a dependency on God in those who, enjoying comfortable circumstances, have drifted away from reliance on Him. The book is excellent. There are a few sections early on that are clearly geared toward Flavel's own time and place. For example, Flavel encourages his readers to thank God's providence that they were not born in America, that barbarous land, but in England where they were brought up well-instructed in the Christian faith. Most of the book, however, is simply Scriptural truth, applicable to any believer at any time and in any place.
November 2, 2025
One of the hardest truths for Christians to wrap their mind around is that God is providentially in control of every part of their lives. But that is also one of the most comforting truths Scripture has to offer us. Flavel walks through the many ways God exercises providence over our lives and why it should matter to us on a practical level. He uses an abundance of illustrations from Scripture, church history, and even his own experiences to drive home the abundance of evidence for God’s hand being at work among us. While this book may be a more challenging read, Flavel makes the doctrine extremely practical to the Christian’s life and tries to answer the question, “Why should this matter to me?”
February 26, 2017
I'd planned to read along with Challies. My favorite doctrine is the Doctrine of Providence.
Read along with Challies:
http://www.challies.com/reading-class...
It's a difficult book, at least to me at the time last year. I do plan to pick it up again.
Read along with Challies:
http://www.challies.com/reading-class...
It's a difficult book, at least to me at the time last year. I do plan to pick it up again.
June 12, 2020
As a young teenager, I used to wonder why the wise older women in my life loved reading the Puritans so much. I imagined that the only thing one would get from reading the Puritans would be a greater weight of guilt over sin and the conviction to "do better". Why would you read the Puritans over and over again, on purpose, no less?
I get it now. :)
I get it now. :)
July 21, 2021
A collection of powerful sermons on the theme of Providence. It is a very helpful (and readable) treatment of an important topic. The gems in it cannot be fully explored in just one reading. Be ready to have it with you throughout your christian pilgrimage. Classic!
May 28, 2013
A very helpful and readable look at the providence of God.
March 2, 2016
Read this in the early 90s. Committed Psalm 57 to memory as a result of reading it. Flavel exhorts us to be more watchful and thankful for what God is doing in our lives.
November 25, 2023
#4 of 60+ in the Puritan Paperbacks series by Banner of Truth.
Four things came to mind when reading through Flavel’s book on “the Mystery of Providence”.
First, God’s providence is closely tied to His sovereignty. Many in the reformed faith, myself included, lean heavily on God’s sovereignty. However, providence takes this a step further. It is sovereignty in action. We believe not only in a God that is able to do as He pleases but who actually cares enough about us that He acts even in the minutest details.
This brings us to the second thing which is that providence is something to be pondered and remembered. Flavel reminds the reader many times to record the instances of providence in your life and to recall them in meditations. If we are not diligent in watching, we will likely miss the many things God does to provide for us. The benefits of noticing are enormous and our neglect shameful. He even calls down the original readers of his book that couldn’t find the time to do so. “O, is your life such a continued throng, such a mad hurry, that there is no time for Christians to sit alone and think on these things, and press these marvelous manifestations of God in his providences upon their own hearts?” (p. 190) If he saw Christians as leading lives that were too busy and pushing God to the margins in 1678, imagine what he would think of today’s Christians in the Western world that can’t seem to make it to church on time. Prioritize your life.
Third, our reactions to providence in our lives, especially in difficult times, are inseparable from contentment. We are quick to question God when He tarries in the midst of our afflictions. Flavel’s pastoral heart shines through in this when he ties this tendency to discontentment. He says, “Mortify your inordinate affections to earthly things. This makes providences that deprive and cross us so heavy. Mortify your opinion and affection, and you will lighten your affliction. It is strong affection that makes strong affliction.” (p. 150) He also reminds us that God, in His omniscience, knows better than we do. “Providence is wiser than you, and you may be confident it has suited all things better to your eternal good than you could do had you been left to your own option.” (p. 83) We get cross with God when we don’t see our prayers as being answered because we think we know better and we are angry because our ties to earthly things have been diminished.
Finally, if John Piper had read this short 257 page treatment of providence, he could have saved us from the 700+ page tome that now holds down a shelf in my office. Don’t get me wrong, Piper’s book was great and it looks beautiful on my shelf. If I ever need something to anchor my house in a hurricane or to barricade a door, I’m all set. But, Flavel struck straight to the heart of the matter and I’ll return to his book. I recommend you do so as well.
Four things came to mind when reading through Flavel’s book on “the Mystery of Providence”.
First, God’s providence is closely tied to His sovereignty. Many in the reformed faith, myself included, lean heavily on God’s sovereignty. However, providence takes this a step further. It is sovereignty in action. We believe not only in a God that is able to do as He pleases but who actually cares enough about us that He acts even in the minutest details.
This brings us to the second thing which is that providence is something to be pondered and remembered. Flavel reminds the reader many times to record the instances of providence in your life and to recall them in meditations. If we are not diligent in watching, we will likely miss the many things God does to provide for us. The benefits of noticing are enormous and our neglect shameful. He even calls down the original readers of his book that couldn’t find the time to do so. “O, is your life such a continued throng, such a mad hurry, that there is no time for Christians to sit alone and think on these things, and press these marvelous manifestations of God in his providences upon their own hearts?” (p. 190) If he saw Christians as leading lives that were too busy and pushing God to the margins in 1678, imagine what he would think of today’s Christians in the Western world that can’t seem to make it to church on time. Prioritize your life.
Third, our reactions to providence in our lives, especially in difficult times, are inseparable from contentment. We are quick to question God when He tarries in the midst of our afflictions. Flavel’s pastoral heart shines through in this when he ties this tendency to discontentment. He says, “Mortify your inordinate affections to earthly things. This makes providences that deprive and cross us so heavy. Mortify your opinion and affection, and you will lighten your affliction. It is strong affection that makes strong affliction.” (p. 150) He also reminds us that God, in His omniscience, knows better than we do. “Providence is wiser than you, and you may be confident it has suited all things better to your eternal good than you could do had you been left to your own option.” (p. 83) We get cross with God when we don’t see our prayers as being answered because we think we know better and we are angry because our ties to earthly things have been diminished.
Finally, if John Piper had read this short 257 page treatment of providence, he could have saved us from the 700+ page tome that now holds down a shelf in my office. Don’t get me wrong, Piper’s book was great and it looks beautiful on my shelf. If I ever need something to anchor my house in a hurricane or to barricade a door, I’m all set. But, Flavel struck straight to the heart of the matter and I’ll return to his book. I recommend you do so as well.
March 4, 2023
Another loaner from my cousin, and it's another great read. Contrasted to Thomas Watson's, "All Things For Good", this book was a bit denser, harder to read, but still packed full of insightful biblical truths. It was more difficult for me to be drawn into this one, but when I focused, I was grateful for all the information on God's providence. That's not a word I hear very often, so it was interesting to read about, and basically realize that the author is talking about God's mercy, grace, provision, power, etc.
The book dives into the evidence and effects of God's hand in every aspect of the world and our lives, big and small. It was a powerful reminder that He is always in control, even when we don't understand how He's working.
I would recommend this to any Christian wanting to be reminded of God's presence and provision, or simply for anyone wanting to study this aspect of God's character and our salvation.
The book dives into the evidence and effects of God's hand in every aspect of the world and our lives, big and small. It was a powerful reminder that He is always in control, even when we don't understand how He's working.
I would recommend this to any Christian wanting to be reminded of God's presence and provision, or simply for anyone wanting to study this aspect of God's character and our salvation.
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