By Dr Edward Tamale-Sali
The reason we emphasise God’s providence in this publication is because our reliance is on Him. We worship a God who provides, and upon whose provision we depend. The doctrine of divine providence is a fundamental belief in Christianity: that God is actively involved in the world, governing and sustaining all things according to His wise and loving purposes. This truth should inspire praise and comfort in the hearts of believers, as John Piper aptly said, “In all the setbacks of your life as a believer, God is plotting for your joy.”
God’s providence defined
The word “providence” comes from the Latin providere, meaning “to see beforehand.” When applied to God, providence refers to His foreknowledge and purposeful action in directing all things to their appointed ends. This is reflected in the Bible when it says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). As Louis Berkouwer explains, “God not only sees beforehand, but provides for the future which He alone can see!” In other words, God’s providence encompasses His eternal plan and His active involvement in bringing it to pass.
The doctrine of divine providence is grounded in God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and love. He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-wise Creator who upholds and governs all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). Nothing happens by chance or outside the scope of His control. Even the most seemingly insignificant events are part of His perfect plan (Matthew 10:29-31).
The comfort of providence
A proper understanding of divine providence provides immense comfort to believers in the midst of life’s trials and tribulations. When we face difficulties, we can rest assured that God is in control and that He is working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). As the Psalmist declares, “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice!” (Psalm 97:1).
The doctrine of providence assures us that God is always faithful and that His love for us never fails. No matter what we face, we can be confident that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). As Paul triumphantly proclaims, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
The responsibility of provision
While God is the ultimate provider, He often works through human means to meet the needs of His people. This is where the concept of provision comes into play. As 1 Timothy 5:8 states, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Provision is an essential aspect of God’s design for the family and the church. Husbands and fathers are called to be the primary providers for their households, ensuring that their families’ basic needs are met. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, as it reflects one’s faith and commitment to the Lord.
Moreover, the Church is called to provide for those in need, especially widows and orphans (James 1:27). By meeting the practical needs of others, we demonstrate the love of Christ and point them to the ultimate Provider, God Himself.
The example of Abraham
One of the clearest illustrations of God’s providence is found in the story of Abraham’s offering of Isaac (Genesis 22). When Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son, he trusted that God would provide a way, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19). Indeed, God did provide a ram caught in the thicket as a substitute offering (Genesis 22:13-14).
This event not only demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises but also foreshadows the ultimate provision of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Just as Abraham trusted in God’s provision, so too can we trust in the provision of salvation that God has made through His Son.
The doctrine of divine providence is a source of great comfort and encouragement for believers. It assures us that God is in control, that He loves us, and that He is working all things together for our good. At the same time, it calls us to trust in God’s provision and to be responsible providers for those under our care.
As we meditate on the truth of God’s providence, may our hearts overflow with praise and thanksgiving. May we find rest in the knowledge that our lives are in the hands of a loving and sovereign God who will never fail us. May we be faithful stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us, using them to bless others and bring glory to His name.
