I am currently taking a class in Systematic Theology. In this class, we are currently learning about the doctrine of God's providence. This doctrine is something that impacts the daily life of the believer whether they realize it or not. So, what is God's providence? Providence as described in my class is "God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that he keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which he created them; cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do; and directs them to fulfill his purpose." In short, God's providence is the fact that He is in charge of all things in the universe, everything is under His willing.
The doctrine of God's providence impacts the daily life of the believer by providing comfort and assurance that God is in control. God's providence should produce in believers a confidence in the ultimate outcome of life. The story of Abraham and Isaac is an example of being confident in God's providence. God called Abraham to offer Isaac, his only son, as a sacrifice and Abraham was confident that God would provide. Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb was for the sacrifice, Abraham said in Genesis 22:8, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." When Abraham and Isaac made it to the top of the mountain, an angel of the Lord called to him and told him not to lay his hand on the boy, for he knew that he feared God. Then behind Abraham was a ram caught in a bush. The Lord provided Abraham the ram, and so he took the ram and offered it as a sacrifice. Believers need to remember the story of Abraham and how God provided for him as a picture of how God will also provide for us.
The doctrine of God's providence gives me great peace in my personal daily walk with the Lord. Knowing that the Lord is in control of everything in the universe, allows me to trust that whatever would, could, and will happen is according to his plan. Matthew 6:30 is a verse that comforts me and is reassuring that the Lord will provide, it says, "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" God takes the time to provide for everything in the universe, including the animals and plants of the earth. To know that God cares for and feeds the birds and allows the lilies to grow, comforts me because if God takes care of them, how much more will He take care of me, His chosen child? I am also reminded that God works everything out for His good like Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Even though being a Christian does not mean that everything will be easy or that life will be perfect, I can rest in the fact that even when things do get tough, God has a plan for my life and in the end, it will all work out and be for His ultimate glory.
