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To the editor,
When things happen I have often heard the statement, "It's the providence of God." So what is the providence of God?
The providence of God is "that continued exercise of divine energy whereby the Creator preserves His creatures, is operative in all that comes to pass in the world, and directs all things to their appointed end" (Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology).
In His providence He controls the universe and the physical world (Ps.l35:6), the brute creation (animals, birds etc.) (Ps.l04:21,28; Matt.l0:29). He controls the weather and the seasons (Genl:14; Duetl 1:14). He causes nations to rise and fall (Jobl2:21), and places and removes leadership (Dan2:21; Ps75:6-7). He set the time for mans birth and death,(Job33:4; Eccl.3:3), his rebirth (bom again) (Jn.3:5- 8,6:44; Rom.9:15), his lot in life (lSam.l6:l; Gal.l:15-16), the outward successes and failures of their lives (Ps.75:5-6; Lu. 1:52), and even the seemingly accidental and insignificant things and happenings (Prov.l6:33; Matt.l0:30).
He chooses those to whom He will show mercy and hardens those He chooses to let go of their sins (Rom.9:15,18). He protects the righteous and answers their prayers (Rom8:28; Matt7:7). He is long suffering toward the wicked in that He allows them to live and does not punish them immediately (Rom.9:22). He will one day punish justly those that deserve it and usher into the new heaven and earth those He has chosen to give mercy (Rev. 20:11-15,21:1-5).
Providence means that God will carry out His plan from eternity past to eternity future (Isa.46:10-11). "He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What does thou?"
God is in complete control and He will accomplish His purpose and will (Isa.46:10; Ps.ll5:3; 135:6).
Jim Batt
Mexico