Let’s discuss God’s providence. What is providence, anyway? According to Thayer’s dictionary, “providence” means the forethought to supply needs. The word is used only once in the Bible, in Acts 24:2, but many Bible verses testify that God supplies the needs of the godly and ungodly.
Matthew 6:33
Many people know this verse: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus is speaking here, and He had just told His disciples that the Father knows their needs. Jesus compared the lilies of the field to Solomon, saying that not even Solomon was dressed as beautifully as the flowers. So don’t worry about clothing.
Jesus told them before the Solomon example that birds of the air do not sow or reap, but the Father feeds them. So, no worries about food. People are more valuable than birds. Right?
Jesus said no one can add an hour to his life by worrying. God provides all we need, so don’t worry; seek His kingdom and righteousness. That’s the most important thing. Caring for your soul is more important than life’s necessities.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Here are the verses: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Life requires the utmost trust in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. No one can make life sweeter than our God. Trusting God for everything brings peace and security. After all, He can do more than what we ask Him. He is the God of all existence. He framed the worlds with His great might. He creates babies and provides for all the land, sea, and air animals. God made everything just right so that we have seasons, wind to pollinate crops, and water from heaven. We’re far enough away from the sun so that we don’t burn and yet close enough to give the right amount of light for life. See Acts 14:15-17.
In Ephesians 3:14-19, the Apostle Paul explains God’s love for us as thoroughly as possible. We can safely trust our God for everything in life.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This seems to be the most well-known verse in the Bible. God provided a way for humanity to reconnect with Him.
Sin separates people from God, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23, Ezekiel 18:20. If we die apart from God with sins charged against our soul, we shall surely experience eternal torment, Romans 6:23, Revelation 21:8. It is a lake of burning fire. It’s eternal torture.
God requires everyone to repent, Acts 17:30-31. He has furnished proof of this by raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus will serve as the judge of all men. Those who do good according to God’s determination (it’s all explained in the New Testament) will be rewarded with eternal heaven, while the evil will be sentenced to hell forever. See Matthew 7:21-23.
Through God’s love and providence, He has sent Jesus into the world as the only way anyone can escape hell. We can live forever with Him in heaven. We must accept Jesus as the savior, John 8:24. We must repent of our sins (a change of mind and heart, a change to righteous living). See Luke 13:3. We must confess Jesus as Lord, Romans 10:9-10. We must be baptized to wash away sin, Acts 22:16.
God provides for our spiritual well-being. Won’t you accept His way today?
Contact us at garland.churchofchrist@gmail.com, subject: Providence.
You’ll receive spiritual teaching and love at the Matthews St. church of Christ in Bay City, TX.
We have a Bible correspondence course we’ll be glad to send you. You can also meet with us via Zoom.
Your soul in heaven is our goal.
Garland Van Dyke