Without a doubt, many people misunderstand this subject. People have given God both credit and blame for events in which He played no part. For example, when a loved one dies suddenly, almost always, someone remarks, "God called him home." This is supposed to bring the bereaved some measure of comfort, but it often leads to misplaced blame. Incidentally, this is often said without giving any thought to the kind of life the deceased person led. In this article, we hope to clarify some of the unfounded notions regarding God's providence.

The word providence, as it relates to the workings of God, is not found in the Bible. However, it does appear one time, and that appearance helps us to understand its meaning. The attorney for the chief priests and elders of the Jews used the word providence in connection with the work of Felix. The passage reads as follows: "And after Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor, Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried for this nation, we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness." (Acts 24: 2, 3, NASB) Obviously, Tertullus, by what he said, was trying to "butter up Felix," but the meaning is still clear. He praised Felix for using forethought in ruling over the people, and for making changes that would benefit them. In Romans 13:14, the same word is translated provision. There, the thought is that we should not plan to do anything that would benefit the lusts of the flesh. In a few New Testament scriptures, the word's verb form is used to set forth the idea of providing for something (Romans 12:17; II Corinthians 8:21).

The word's use in the above example leads us to conclude that there is such a thing as the providence of God. In fact, some of His concern, or providence, extends even to those who are unbelievers. God provides for the physical existence of all mankind (Matthew 5:45). Except on rare occasions in the past, this care has not been extended in a miraculous manner. God has special concern for His children, and He willingly responds with what is in their best interest. By the way, the idea that someone would be "providentially hindered" from being present when the church assembles, or from doing anything else that is right and good, is not in keeping with this truth about God. When compared to miracles, which, very often, were open displays of God's power, the workings of God's providence may not attract as much attention, but remember they also come from God. One thing to keep in mind is that God never acts in a way that would set aside anyone's free will. We can rest assured that "..God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

At times, God's providential care was seen and identified by the one who was its object. Perhaps the clearest example of this is Joseph. We are familiar with the story of his brothers' jealousy, their selling him into slavery, and the terrible way they deceived their father, Jacob (Genesis 37). Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream and became a ruler in Egypt, second in command only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-40). His brothers, because of a famine, were forced to travel to Egypt to buy grain.

Eventually, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, who feared retaliation for what they had done to him. Instead of retaliating, Joseph assured them that what happened was the result of God's providence working in his life (Genesis 44:5-8).

After Jacob died, Joseph's brothers still feared that he would retaliate. In one of the Bible's greatest statements of love and forgiveness, Joseph told them that he had forgiven them because, after all, he was not in God's place. Once again, Joseph reminded them of God's involvement in this plan to preserve His people (Genesis 50:15-21). However, as we will see, this certainty is not always present. In Joseph's mind, there appeared to be no doubt that God had a hand in all that had befallen him. This does not excuse his brothers for what they did. They acted as free moral agents when they allowed their envy to lead them to sell Joseph into slavery.

At other times, it's not possible to see, with a great degree of certainty, God's providence. The Old Testament example of Esther illustrates this type of situation. Mordecai, Esther's cousin, reared her as his own daughter. It happened that Esther was chosen to replace Vashti, the queen of Persia who had fallen into disfavor with King Ahasuerus. Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal the fact that she was a Jew (Esther 2:10).

As time passed, enmity developed between Mordecai and Haman who then plotted to exterminate the Jews. When Esther learned of the plot, she informed Mordecai, who promptly told her that she would have to go into the king's presence and plead for the lives of her people. Naturally, she was afraid to do such a thing, since it could, if the king did not approve of her coming before him, result in her death (Esther 4:5-14). Mordecai told her that being in the palace would not guarantee her escaping the fate of the other Jews. He felt confident that God would deliver His people from extinction, but raised the possibility that perhaps, she had attained her position as queen for the very purpose of saving her people.

Many of us can look back over our lives and believe there were times when God had a hand in setting up circumstances that enabled us to make good choices regarding which paths to follow. Sometimes, we cannot be absolutely certain that God acted providentially, and all we can say is, "Perhaps..." Paul's statement to Philemon about Onesimus, a runaway slave, indicated the same idea. He wrote, "For perhaps he was for this reason parted from you for a while, that you should have him back forever." (Philemon 15)

Prayer and providence are related. As we pray to God, He works in our lives to see that we have what we need (Matthew 6:33). Paul expected God to work in his life, and encouraged the saints to pray for his welfare and deliverance (Romans 15:30, 31; Philippians 1:19,20). We pray that God will open doors of opportunity for us (Colossians 4:3,4). There's no reason to pray if we don't expect God to hear our prayers. I am reminded of a Theophilus cartoon from many years ago. In the cartoon, Theophilus sees someone going to worship, and learns that they are going for the express purpose of praying for rain. Theophilus asked, "Where is your umbrella?" We should expect God to help us during our times of need (Hebrews 4: 16).

God has, since before time began, been working to bring about our salvation. Recall what Paul said to the Philippians: "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12,13) May we allow God to have His way in our lives and to use us in His service. Recognize that he works providentially in the lives of His children. Look for the doors of opportunity that He opens for you. (Edited--KMG)