…Most of us when we hear the word “Providence” probably think about the city in Rhode Island.  Who would name their city Providence?  This name calls attention to the wide gap in thinking that exists between former generations and our present society.  (RC) 

…There was a day when Christians often spoke of God’s providence.  Today, most Christians do not have a clear understanding of it.  Yet, the Bible teaches this wonderful truth from “cover to cover.”

…Joseph’s story exhibits the providence of God in a most amazing way.  We have been considering the great suffering of Joseph as his brothers sold him into slavery.   Yet, years later he properly told them …it was good!

TWO CONSIDERATIONS HELPING US TO FIND COMFORT IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD.  For, this truth will console the most hurting among us!

I.     It Is Important For Us To Understand The MEANING OF

       Providence.  We cannot be comforted by what we do not know.

                A.            It has been defined as:  God control of all things, good and evil, in the world to bring about His

                                ends, which is His glory.  Another one has said, it is how God directs His Creation in

                                the smallest of detail to bring about the end of all matters. 

                B.             In the 1600s, the Westminster Divines wrote of Providence:

                                “God, the Creator of all things, does uphold, direct, dispose and govern all creatures, actions,

                                and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, according

                                to His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, to the

                                praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” 

                C.             What God creates, He also sustains, and more, He directs unto His final goal.  This is how God

                                governs His universe.  He rules His universe with absolute sovereignty and authority. 

                                …Nothing ever happens beyond the scope of His sovereign providential government.

                D.            There is a huge difference between providence of God and  fortune, fate, or luck.  (RC)

                                1.             The key difference is found in the personal character of God. 

                                2.             There are no blind, impersonal forces at work in human history…

                                3.             In the universe governed by God there is no such thing as chance.  It does not exist!

                                                …Chance is merely a word that is used to describe mathematical possibilities.  “Chance

                                                has no power because it has no being.  Chance is not a thing.  It is nothing!”

II.   We Must See The Extent Of God’s Providence Revealed In The

       Bible.  This is not some minor doctrine, but shines forth from Genesis to Revelation.

                A.            The universe at large is under the providence (control) of our God. 

                                …Psalm 103:19  “The Lord has established His throne…and His kingdom rules over all”

                B.             The physical world or ours is under God’s complete control. 

                                …Psalm 135:6 “the Lord does whatever pleases Him in the heavens, on earth, in the sea…”

                C.             The animal kingdom is ruled by God’s providence. 

                                …Matthew 10:29 “2 sparrow are sold for a penny, yet not one of them falls…the will of God.”

                D.            The affairs of all nations are under His dominion and control.

                                …Job 12:23  “He makes nations great and destroys them.”   Acts 17:26  “…He determined…”

                E.             Men and women’s birth and place in life are under God’s providence. 

                                …Psalm 139:16  “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them…”

                F.             All the successes and failures of our lives are under His control. 

                                …Psalm 75:6-7  “No one from the East…can exalt a man.  But it is God who judges, brings down…”

                G.            All the seemingly accidental or insignificant things of life are under His providence. 

                                …Proverbs 16:33  “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

                H.            The protection of God’s own is under His providence.  Romans 8:28  “All things work…good.”

                I.             The supplying of the wants of God’s people is under His control.  Phil, 4:19  “God…all your needs”

                J.             Answered prayer exhibits God’s providence.  1 Samuel 1:19 (Hannah)  “I asked the Lord for…”

                K.             God’s final judgment of the wicked is under His control.  Psalm 11:6  “on the wicked will fiery…”

LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES: