I often think of Divine Providence or the Sovereign Will of God, as I like to call it. Is this doctrine in the Bible? No, the word "providence," unlike predestined," or "foreknowledge," does not appear in the Bible. Is it biblical? Sure it is. While it is not named, it is often described or presupposed. The classic example comes from the story of Joseph where he tells his brother that his abandonment, enslavement, and imprisonment did not result solely or ultimately from their expressed will, but, also and finally from God's sovereign will. While they meant all this for evil purposes, God fashioned it, using them as his agents, and for not only Joseph's good but also for the good of the nascent nation of Israel - and, in the end, through Christ for us.
Jesus speaks of how he must be "lifted up" or crucified. Yet, His death, which seals a covenant between the Father and the Son, is not solely by God's sovereign will but also by the will of those wicked leaders of Judea and of Rome. Jesus makes it clear when He says that not an single sparrow falls to the ground against God's will.
I take great comfort in knowing that for the Triune God all moments are not moments at all to Him. Time itself, with every event it contains, is but a single thought to God and consists of the singular expression of Divine Sovereignty.
Does God will evil deeds, you bet He does. Does God will sickness and even death? Yes, I believe he does. Does He will our getting that mortgage approved, or landing that job, or finding that spouse, or every child born to us - yes, this too is the will of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
Since, as a product of this age, I am set to think myself to be master of my destiny. Yet, that is a lie. I love the joke of the Old Calvinist who falls head-long into a deep ravine. When he finally becomes conscious again, he says, "Lord, I'm sure glad thats over." This, like every other event in his life, is from the hand of his God.
I read the old hymns; even the one's we almost never sing. This one was written by Samuel Rodigst, in 1675. He begins with this rich line, "What er the Lord ordains is right, his holy will abideth." In the third stanza we sing, "Here shall my stand be taken; Though sorrow, need, or death be mine, yet am I not forsaken."
In a rarely published stanza he affirm God Lordship quite boldly,
What God ordains is always good.
This loving thought attends me;No poison can be in the cupThat my Physician sends me.My God is true...Each morn anew...I'll trust His grace unending,
My life to Him commending.Amen.
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