The Two Sides of Providence
The evidence of the providence of God abounds.
It might seem strange to learn that the word providence occurs only one time in the Bible, and there it is not referring to the providence of God (Acts 24:2). In fact, this word is not found in most translations. Yet, the truth is that the concept of God’s providence is found throughout the Scriptures. One cannot read the Bible without knowing that God provides.
There are questions about His providence He has chosen to not reveal to us. We should be content to speak where the Bible speaks but also must remember to stop where the Bible stops. Moses’ words say so much about this. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29). There is no way we can know that our idle speculations are what God thinks and we must learn to be silent.
Providence Seen By Looking Backward
Because we know that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17), it is not wrong for us to look at the past and see the hand of God in our lives. Young David found strength and courage to fight Goliath because of His past experiences. “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Sam. 17:37). He knew of providence because he had seen it. The book of Psalms is filled with encouragement based on all that God had done in the past for Israel. Our Lord reminded His followers about providence, which they had seen in the rain, the sun, the birds and the lily of the valley. Because every good gift is from above, it is not wrong for us to look backwards to see providence.
Providence Seen When Looking Forward
The words of Abraham to Isaac show us that we can see His coming providence by faith. Isaac was concerned and asked his father about the animal for the sacrifice. The patriarch’s answer was simple. “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8). He had no idea how God would provide it, He just knew that He who had always provided in the past would do so in the future. David also looked forward with the eyes of faith and saw himself walking with his Shepherd through the valley of death.
Providence Seen in Your Life
So when troubles surround you and you are overwhelmed, stop and mediate of these two sides of providence. Look at how God has always helped His people. Look and see this truth in your past life. Then look to the adversity ahead and with the eye of faith march onward because you confidently know that your God will provide!