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When we think of God's providence, perhaps we focus on Old Testament stories like Joseph being sold into Egypt by his brothers and then God using Joseph to save God's people. Or maybe we think of Moses being prepared to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Or perhaps we think of God's providence whenever we think of the birth of Jesus Christ and God's hand in governing and providing for him.
God’s providence is at work in every person’s life.
Yet, if we think of what God's providence is, as helpfully defined in the Westminster Shorter Catechism below, we should realize that God's providence extends to all God's creatures, which means God's providence is at work in our own lives as well:
God's works of providence are his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions. (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q&A 11)
The truth that God takes thought of us and has a purpose for and governs our lives should be an immense encouragement and comfort to us. As believers, our lives have meaning—and a glorious destination. The apostle Peter writes,
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 2:4-5)
Look for God’s providential care and direction as you live each day he gives you.
Our future and even our present are centered around being part of the heavenly community, and God is making each believer in Christ part of his spiritual house, a holy priesthood. This is a picture of your ultimate glory—the end that God has planned for you, the fulfillment of your story.
And God uses everything in your life to bring you to this beautiful and glorious destination. He desires you grow in holiness, bless others, and show the glory of the image of God in your life. Therefore, you can be sure that you have gifts and skills that he has given you to do these things.
As you contemplate how God prepared Joseph for his task of being a blessing to the nations, Moses for his position of leader and guide to Israel, and most importantly Jesus for the work he had to do to bless the world, consider what things God has already been doing in your life. Look for his providential care and direction as you live each day he gives you. Be encouraged that God is shaping your life so that you can be a blessing to others and grow toward the goal of a holy priesthood.
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Ayrian Yasar is associate editor of Beautiful Christian Life. This article is adapted from “God’s Providential Care for You” in BCL's May 2023 Newsletter: “God’s Providence.”
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