Providence

  • Acts of Providence

    Isaiah 28:23–29

    Have you ever become angry with God because you didn’t understand why you had to suffer while someone else you knew never seemed to have any problems? If so, or even if you’ve wondered why there seems to ...Read More

  • Comprehending the Course of History

    Focus your thoughts on the second advent of Jesus Christ by reading Matthew 24.Read More

  • Courageous Esther

    Esther 4

    Though the Lord is always working for our good (Rom. 8:28), most times we cannot discern how His providence will work things out. We must often make decisions when there seems to be no good option or when God ...Read More

  • Divine Providence

    Psalm 46

    Read Matthew 6:25–32. What does this passage say about God’s providence? Think of times you attributed events under the canopy of God’s providence to chance. Why is it more comforting to think of providence instead? Notice ...Read More

  • Dreams of the Future

    Genesis 37:5–11

    John Calvin writes: “It often happens that they who are ill-disposed, quickly perceive what is the will of God: but, because they feel no reverence, they despise it.” Not surprisingly, Joseph’s brothers, blinded by sin, reject the Lord’s ...Read More

  • Earthly Enforcers

    Daniel 12:1

    Knowing that the Lord has an army in heaven who wages war against His enemies is very encouraging. Since we are His people, we know that God’s angels are fighting on our behalf and advancing the good plans our ...Read More

  • For Such a Time as This

    Esther 3–4

    Mordecai’s confession, “Who knows?” in Esther 4:14 is one all believers must make at one time or another. The Lord’s hand is usually invisible to us, and when we take a step of faith we are not ...Read More

  • God and Human Freedom

    John 19

    Read Acts 27. How is God’s sovereign providence revealed in this incident? Paul assures the men that they would be saved, but he also stresses their responsibility in verse 31. What does this teach you about your own freedom ...Read More

  • God and Sin

    James 1

    Think of a time in your life when you sinned and later saw how God brought good out of your sinful actions. Does God’s sovereign control in permitting your sin excuse your sin? How are you comforted knowing God ...Read More

  • God is in the Details

    Matthew 10:28–31

    The control God exercises over everything that ever happens demonstrates that there is some significance to all that we do. In turn, this means that we should give thought to our actions and how we spend our time. The Lord ...Read More

  • God Makes It All Happen

    Psalm 2

    Most of us will offer a prayer of thanksgiving every time we sit down to eat a meal. While it is good to thank the Lord, we should also remember that we depend on Him not only for our food ...Read More

  • God or Chance?

    Isaiah 45

    Read Amos 4:6–10; Hebrews 12:5–11; and 1 Peter 1:6–7. From these passages why might God cause “bad things” to happen? What should our response be when we are confronted with difficult circumstances? Work to ...Read More

  • God Speaks to Jacob

    Genesis 31:3

    Sometimes we sense divine Providence indicating a move for us to make. A new job offer might present itself. Maybe a relationship is pointing toward marriage. Investment prospects may be “golden opportunities” for growing our resources. God will often direct ...Read More

  • God’s Powerful Sustaining Word

    Hebrews 1:3

    Understanding the importance of God’s sustaining providence should make us profoundly grateful for all things. Every moment we are alive to experience the joys and blessings He brings our way is a gift of His grace. Therefore, we should ...Read More

  • Good News for Jacob

    Genesis 45:25–28

    It is not uncommon to hear people say that they wished they lived during biblical times. Many think that seeing the same mighty acts the saints of old saw would enable them to have stronger faith in the Lord. But ...Read More