GOD’S PROVIDENCE?

“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45.

Providence is a word rarely used these days, but this does not alter the fact that God in His providence, rules and reigns over all the affairs of His world. Jerry Bridges in his book ‘Trusting God’ described God’s providence like this:
God’s providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people.

As we consider this rarely used word, its subject matter, should incite a deep interest in the heart of the believer. It should cause us to ask and answer some serious questions about the happenings in our world. It should cause us to pause and consider the orchestration of God in things like ‘natural disasters,’ political changes, economic climates, moral and ethical shifts, religious movements and even the smallest happenings in our personal lives. After all, if God is in control and providentially bringing about His ultimate purpose, how do all the ugly and evil details fit into God’s scheme of reckoning? 

Some Christians struggle with this concept for a variety of reasons but a big one is, “how can God allow evil people to dominate and seemingly prosper in this world.” 

The Psalmist contemplating this expressed in Psa. 73:3 “For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Jeremiah asked the question - Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? (12:1)  

We still see this happening all the time. How can God’s providence permit the prosperity of the wicked? Job answers this question; Job 20:5 “... the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment.” 

We need to understand that God is both patient and generous even with sinful people as out text cites above. His justice may bring punishment in this life, but one thing is for sure, it will certainly do so in eternity. Their pleasure and joy is temporary!

We need to see and remember in all this, that prosperity and anything else this world can offer, is not the highest blessing God has in store for His people.