Why Does God’s Providence Matter Today?

The providence of God matters today. Providence is defined as “the protective care and guidance of God.” Providence encompasses God’s sovereignty to continually uphold, guide, and care for his creation (Dan. 4:35; Prov. 16:33; Rom 8:28).

His intimate involvement in creation expresses this notion of being a relational God. Philippians 4:19 states this well: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Furthermore, God’s providence matters because all events people experience in life have a purpose. Nothing happens by chance, but is all orchestrated by God—who works “all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph. 1:11).”

Therefore, whatever accomplishment or hardship humans encounter, it doesn’t come as a surprise to Almighty God.

This brings up a couple of crucial questions. First, if God is in complete control of creation, then do humans have free will? Second, if God permits both goodness and suffering, then why doesn’t he mitigate suffering? These are excellent questions and are the most common objections for the existence of God.

Let’s answer the first question—beginning in the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were both created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27). They were given a clear choice by God when he told them: “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die (Gen. 2:16-17).”

God didn’t coerce them to eat or not eat of this tree. The Lord treated them like autonomous creatures capable of making an informed decision. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan and chose to rebel against God instead of heeding to the instructions of Yahweh.

This is why James 1:13 reminds us that we are ultimately responsible for our decisions: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”

Consequently, we can’t blame God for the decisions we make in life. Whether good or bad, God has given us the ability to make rational choices.

At this point, you might agree with freedom of the will as it relates to decision-making. However, what if a person is predisposed to a genetic disease they have no control over? How about natural disasters? Isn’t God ultimately responsible for these factors?

This is where God’s providence comes into play. While we do have free choices, there are limitations. These include genetic factors, familial status, environment, etc. An important verse to keep in mind when wrestling with these issues comes from Romans 8:28:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Have you heard of Nick Vujicic? He was born with Tetra-amelia syndrome—a condition where all four limbs are missing, caused by the mutations in the WNT3 gene. In 2005, he started a non-profit international organization and ministry entitled Life Without Limbs. Since then, He has reached millions of people for the gospel.

He once said in a YouTube video that God’s purpose may have been for him to be born without arms and legs so that he could encourage and reach out to people just like him.

He has embraced Romans 8:28, knowing that God works all things together for good—especially those who are born with genetic limitations. What is amazing about this story is how Nick has used his limitations to show others how to be positive in the midst of suffering.

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