Many people today are confused by the difference between miracles and the providence of God. Providence is God's use of the natural realm to provide for the needs of His creation. Because of God's foreknowledge, the laws of nature are in place to not only sustain our existence but to offer comfort and joy to our lives. Miracles are the superseding by God of His laws in order for His will to be done. It is this ignorance that has caused many to put their faith into experiences and not the Word of God.
The apostle Paul wrote, "I know whom I have believed and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day" (2nd Tim. 1:12). Paul was secure in knowing that God would protect him from danger. The apostle made this fearless statement because he understood the providence of Him whom he served. Joseph also saw the work of God's providence in his life when he reminded his brothers that it was God who sent him to Egypt to prepare for the coming famine (Genesis 45). Joseph understood that God's goodness overcame the evil of his brothers (Gen. 50:20). This is providence, God working within the laws of nature to fulfill His will.
The providence of the Lord works hand-in-hand with proper decisions made by spiritual men. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai reflects upon a serious moment by telling Queen Esther, "Who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" God put these two people in the right place and the right time, as well as providing the opportunity for His will to be done. No miracles, just God working in the lives of His people. The apostle Paul writes of this same principle. Concerning Onesimus, he challenges Philemon to receive the ex-slave back: "For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that you should have him forever: no longer as a servant, but more that a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord". (Phile. 1:15-16) God had provided the occasion, and Paul then used that occasion to teach the truth of the gospel and send Onesimus back to Philemon as a Christian.
The god of our universe is a god of order. Our world is a testament of His foreknowledge and might. We must not overlook His wisdom in what may seem as simple chance events. God rarely parts the seas, rains down fire or makes donkeys speak, but His providence is all around us.
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