New Thoughts
Here, we are seeing the full breadth and scope of God's providence. Even in the things that seem most evil to us, He has been in control. The ignorant actions of Israel and Rome that led to His own Son's death were accomplished according to His own wise plan. Paul's imprisonments, all the things he suffered in the course of his ministry were accomplished according to God's own wise plan. When the nations are handed over to the beast of the end-times, it will still be accomplished according to God's own wise plan.
Not one historical event has occurred without His knowledge. Not one historical event has occurred without His permission. This bothers us, sometimes. We see the horrible things that happen to God's people, or even to those who are not His people, and it just strikes us as wrong. But we don't have full access to the wisdom of God, His ways remain far above our understanding. When He chooses to explain to us what He is doing, we are ever shown that what was meant for evil has been worked for good.
This was Joseph's story. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, imprisoned for a thing he did not do; yet he trusted his God to be just. He trusted his God to look after him. And God did. Out of all that cruel background, God brought about the miracle of Israel's preservation through times of drought, and not only Israel, but Egypt also. Indeed, He blesses those who bless Israel, even when it is unintentional!
Paul also understood the ways of God's providence. He recognized that every trial he faced was but an opportunity waiting to be revealed. Writing to the Philippians from his jail cell, he could declare that the gospel had spread more rapidly because of his imprisonment. Sent to Rome in chains, he saw the gospel penetrate the very house of Caesar. His eye remained on what God was doing, not what the devil appeared to be doing, because he knew that God was greater. And, because he knew God was greater, he could declare to us that all things work for good to those who love God, for God makes certain that this is the case.
Throughout these examples of providence that we have looked at, we have seen cases of people who served God's purpose, but were not in accord with His purpose. Assyria and Babylon, Persia and Rome, all these empires served God's purpose, but not one of them sought to serve God. That is why there is a qualifier on Paul's declaration in Romans 8:28. It is those who are called to serve in accord with His purpose, who joyfully seek out His purpose for themselves, so as to perform it, who can know that assurance of His good work towards them. All will serve His will, He is the Almighty God. But there will be only the remnant who serve His will of their own free will, who serve in joyful acknowledgement of their Lord.
Father, Your great Providence over us is cause for great peace, yet it is also cause for great fear. To know that even such events as the attacks of last year are somehow serving Your purpose, to think that things like the Holocaust somehow served Your purpose, and worked to the good of those who love You. This is unimaginable to me. It strikes fear to my heart to consider that You could allow such events to happen to Your own children, could arrange for such events to occur to Your children. I confess, Lord, that it's very hard to see any good in that. Yet, I know You are good, and I know You are faithful.
What comfort, my King, to know that even in such events as these, I can trust that You are bringing about good ends. What peace to know that You are controlling the events of this seemingly out of control world. What security to know that the enemy of our soul cannot act except as You allow, and cannot exceed the bounds you place upon him. What joy to hear Your promise that no test will come which we are not able to persevere through.
Lord, all my days are in Your hands. Every moment of my life is laid out before You - You who has known the end from the beginning! How, then, shall I fear? How shall I complain? Indeed, You have made for me a most pleasant inheritance. You have blessed me with richness in this life, and You have blessed me in lean times. Indeed, I could almost feel I have learned that same secret that Paul understood, the secret of being satisfied with whatever means You choose to provide. Praises be to Your name, my God!
Praises be to Your name for choosing this aspect of Yourself to reveal Yourself to me! Praises to Your name that this has been a constant thread running through our relationship together! What confidence You inspire in me, for from the day You called me, You have shown me repeatedly that You are indeed in control, that there truly is nothing which can be called coincidence, that no detail of this life You created has been left to chance. Thank You, my God! Thank You that my salvation has not been left to chance, but has been so carefully arranged by Your own hand! Thank You that even this present time of transition in my life has been just as carefully arranged by You! You are God, my Creator! You are God, my great Composer! And no symphony was ever sweeter to my ear than the one You create around me!
