WHAT IS PROVIDENCE?
Some one asked me, why I am writing about Providence? I said, with tongue in cheek, "It is simple, it's Providential." You don't hear many things said about Providence. Providential things are often taking place around us that have an impact on our lives in a startling manner. Though it is not a subject often talked about, it is a subject to be considered in regards to the preservation of the believer. Seriously however, why am I writing about Providence?" My response is that God has dealt with me several years in regard to this subject, to open our ears to the one who preserves His Church through time and eternity. There are several studies in regard to the subject of Providence. Many differences or arguments, which are found, lead to confusion and even the forming of doctrines.
I have always considered Providence as the continued exercise of the Divine Energy, whereby the Creator preserves all His creatures, is operative in all that comes to pass in the world, and directs all things to their appointed end. I want to give you a few verses to build your faith in a faithful God. These verses are from the Amplified Bible.
Psalms 4:8
"In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety and confident trust."
Psalms 5:12
"For You, O Lord , bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield."
Psalms 63:8
"My soul [my life, my very self] clings to You, Your right hand upholds me."
Psalms 121:3
"He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber."
Luke 12:32
"Do not be afraid and anxious, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
There are also Special Providences, which I desire to focus on in these chapters. For instance:
God encourages us to call upon Him in a time of trouble. We often find God responding to prayers of this Nature in the scripture.
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish." Jeremiah 33:3
This verse has always been a go to verse for me through the most difficult junctions of my life journey. One translation speaks of it as things just beyond your reach, things on the top shelf, which you have to tip toe to reach. I have spent a lot of time on my tip toes in regards to circumstances and situations where I came to the conclusion, when it is over my head I go over my head. It is in days like this you learn that ultimately you are totally dependent on God.
I personally can reflect, on the hand of Providence, working in my life that God has used to teach me lessons, never to be forgotten. When we pray "Jesus use me, Oh Lord please don't refuse me" We get heavens attention and he will take us at our word. My Uncle Zeke had two brothers and a sister who were missionaries that made themselves available to God. He was a wonderful Christian man and it was through him that our family came to know Christ. I am proud of the witness, which is a result of the life he lived before us. People are still being touched as a result of his testimony. One day we talked about why he did not go to the mission field. He told me he made himself available to God but God did not send him.
He said, " Cleddie all He needs is for us to make our selves available, then He will provide what is necessary to fulfill His purpose through us." I took him at his word and understood that if I did my part, He would do His part." All I did was make myself available. A good prayer to pray is, "HERE I AM FULLY AVAILABLE." This is the first step one can take toward living a Providential lifestyle.
Providentially Speaking,
Cleddie Keith
Some one asked me, why I am writing about Providence? I said, with tongue in cheek, "It is simple, it's Providential." You don't hear many things said about Providence. Providential things are often taking place around us that have an impact on our lives in a startling manner. Though it is not a subject often talked about, it is a subject to be considered in regards to the preservation of the believer. Seriously however, why am I writing about Providence?" My response is that God has dealt with me several years in regard to this subject, to open our ears to the one who preserves His Church through time and eternity. There are several studies in regard to the subject of Providence. Many differences or arguments, which are found, lead to confusion and even the forming of doctrines.
I have always considered Providence as the continued exercise of the Divine Energy, whereby the Creator preserves all His creatures, is operative in all that comes to pass in the world, and directs all things to their appointed end. I want to give you a few verses to build your faith in a faithful God. These verses are from the Amplified Bible.
Psalms 4:8
"In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety and confident trust."
Psalms 5:12
"For You, O Lord , bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield."
Psalms 63:8
"My soul [my life, my very self] clings to You, Your right hand upholds me."
Psalms 121:3
"He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber."
Luke 12:32
"Do not be afraid and anxious, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
There are also Special Providences, which I desire to focus on in these chapters. For instance:
- Order of Events,
- Answers to Prayer,
- Help in the Time of Need,
- Critical Intervention in Times of Trouble.
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish." Jeremiah 33:3
This verse has always been a go to verse for me through the most difficult junctions of my life journey. One translation speaks of it as things just beyond your reach, things on the top shelf, which you have to tip toe to reach. I have spent a lot of time on my tip toes in regards to circumstances and situations where I came to the conclusion, when it is over my head I go over my head. It is in days like this you learn that ultimately you are totally dependent on God.
I personally can reflect, on the hand of Providence, working in my life that God has used to teach me lessons, never to be forgotten. When we pray "Jesus use me, Oh Lord please don't refuse me" We get heavens attention and he will take us at our word. My Uncle Zeke had two brothers and a sister who were missionaries that made themselves available to God. He was a wonderful Christian man and it was through him that our family came to know Christ. I am proud of the witness, which is a result of the life he lived before us. People are still being touched as a result of his testimony. One day we talked about why he did not go to the mission field. He told me he made himself available to God but God did not send him.
He said, " Cleddie all He needs is for us to make our selves available, then He will provide what is necessary to fulfill His purpose through us." I took him at his word and understood that if I did my part, He would do His part." All I did was make myself available. A good prayer to pray is, "HERE I AM FULLY AVAILABLE." This is the first step one can take toward living a Providential lifestyle.
Providentially Speaking,
Cleddie Keith