Providence
Providence
You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. (Gen. 50:20)
The Providence of God
Many ancient Greeks believed that life was determined by the Fates, three cold, unfeeling goddesses who spun each life’s thread and cut it off at whim. According to Norse mythology, the trickster god, Loki, toyed with mortals like a cat with a mouse. His name comes into English as Lucky—though it would be unlucky if he actually existed. Others believe life is governed by soulless forces like karma or the alignment of the stars. Not exactly encouraging.
But Christians believe differently. The course of the universe and our lives is not determined by impersonal forces but by our caring and powerful God. He shepherds all things in space, time, and history toward His staggeringly beautiful objectives. Theologians call this His providence.
Nobody’s Victim
Because of God’s providence, you are nobody’s victim—not in an ultimate sense, anyway. Joseph’s life shows how God can bring good out of evil (see Gen. 50:19–21). And Christ’s cross provides the greatest example of God’s amazing ability to turn the worst event into the best (see Acts 2:23).
God is leading you. Sometimes you rejoice on the mountaintops; other times you suffer in dark valleys. But God always has His goals in mind. In His incredible grace He couples His highest glory with your highest good (see Eph. 1:3–6). Never give in to fear; God is on the throne, and He is good.
Bottom Line
You are not a victim of bad luck or bad horoscopes. God Almighty is the caring and powerful ruler of your life and the world. You can rest in His hands.