Mysterious Providence

When I first came to learn about the doctrines of grace or the reformed faith, I couldn't understand how God could be completely sovereign, that is in complete control of ALL things, and tragedy still occur. I mean, how can sin be in God's plan? While I still don't understand all that God allows or does, I now take great comfort in knowing that nothing surprises Him. Nothing is out of His control. He has a specific purpose behind everything He does and everything He allows. There is no greater comfort than knowing He's in complete control of all things.

This knowledge also strengthens my faith in Him. Though I still don't understand nor enjoy pain, I find comfort in knowing that it is not without a purpose - a God ordained purpose. While our dreams may be killed, God's visions are born in us through the tragedies we face. He always fulfills His purpose even in the midst of a sin-filled, Jesus-hating world.

"Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty; but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, and everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." Thus says the LORD: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon My salvation will come, and My deliverance be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."

Isaiah 55:6-56:1 ESV

When things get tough, I always remind myself that God is in control. He knows what's going on and He makes all things beautiful in its time.

~Linnette R Mullin


Photo: Sullivan's Island, SC, 2009 by Linnette R Mullin