Providence - Part One (Now I'm Committed)

Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him. Psalm 115:3

Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it. Lamentations 3:37

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines is steps. Proverbs 16:9

I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

...And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. Psalm 139:16

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. Ephesians 1:11

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

There seems to be a disconnect with Christians pertaining to the sovereignty of God. We are quick to affirm its scriptural veracity, but we don't always believe it experientially. So even though we claim the doctrine, and can probably even quote a few verses, we oftentimes don't live our lives in a manner that reflects this belief. We might even find ourselves mildly surprised when we see the hand of God working in a situation we determine to be for good. But what about the times we don't see the Lord working? I wonder what our Christian walk would be like if we acknowledged God's sovereign plan through every circumstance...every trial, every tragedy, every disappointment, every inconvenience, every interruption, every day. This is the most important doctrine in a Christian's life. John Calvin wrote, "If you pay attention, you will easily perceive that ignorance of providence is the ultimate of all miseries. The highest blessedness lies in the knowledge of it." God's power is personal. Out of His loving concern for his people, He is working all things together to conform us to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:29) Our lives will be transformed when we trust that God will fulfill this purpose for our lives in every circumstance, good and bad. We will reflect tranquility, perseverance, hope, and gratitude...to the praise of His glory.