What Is God's Providence?

Faith is the quiet certainty that God keeps His promises. Unfortunately, we don't like to wait on God with "quiet certainty." We see a need, and instead of seeking God's wisdom and timing, we make a plan we think will meet that need and then, with earthly resources, see that the plan is executed. As a result, we often settle for so much less than God had in mind.

"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope" (Ephesians 3:20 NLT).

I love this aspect of God! He has a plan for us and provides resources for us to fulfill that plan.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28

Too many people abandon their faith at the first sign of discomfort. When life gets hard, their confidence gets soft.

Here are some myths about following Jesus:

-If you follow Jesus, you'll get rich.

-If you follow Jesus, you'll never have pain.

-If you follow Jesus, you'll find the perfect husband or wife.

-If you follow Jesus, life will be easy.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say these things. It says just the opposite. So what does Jesus say about the lives of his followers?

"In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33

And this:

"Your Father in heaven causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Matthew 5:44-45

We all face different challenges. Hardship, sickness, poverty, and death are everyday occurrences whether we follow God or not because we live in a fallen world. But we do not live as those who have no hope. In the presence of pain and discomfort – trust God's Providence. Keep following.

God will guide and provide through the storms of life.

That is the goodness of God. That is the character of God. That is the providence of God.

Mary Southerland is also the Co-founder of Girlfriends in God, a conference and devotion ministry for women. Mary’s books include, Hope in the Midst of Depression, Sandpaper People, Escaping the Stress Trap, Experiencing God’s Power in Your Ministry, 10-Day Trust Adventure, You Make Me So Angry, How to Study the Bible, Fit for Life, Joy for the Journey, and Life Is So Daily. Mary relishes her ministry as a wife, a mother to their two children, Jered and Danna, and Mimi to her six grandchildren – Jaydan, Lelia, Justus, Hudson, Mo, and Nori.