Providence

I recently watched a documentary titled "The American Miracle." In this documentary, it highlighted how the providence of God played a huge role in the United States of America becoming an independent country. I will discuss this further in the coming paragraphs. But first--what is providence? The Webster dictionary of 1828 defines providence in this way, "In theology, the care and superintendence which God exercises over His creatures. He that acknowledges a creation and denies a providence involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence. Some persons admit a general providence but deny a particular providence not considering that a general providence consists of particulars. A belief in divine providence is a source of great consolation to good men. By divine providence is often understood God Himself."

George Washington, our first president, experienced the divine providence of God many times in his own life. George had a brother who had tuberculosis. His doctor encouraged him to go to the island of Barbados hoping the climate there could help him. George traveled with his brother. While on the island, George contracted smallpox, which was a deadly disease. George survived this ordeal. Once he had smallpox, George became immune to getting smallpox again. Later on, in the Revolutionary War days, there was smallpox killing the soldiers of the colonial army. However, George was immune to this virus. God allowed George to come down with smallpox earlier in his life so that he would be immune later when the colonial army desperately needed his leadership.

In 1755, George Washington was involved in a mission to capture Fort Duquesne. The group was ambushed by the French and Native Americans. George bravely stayed mounted on his horse during the battle. Native troops were told to shoot directly at Washington. Horses were shot out from under George. His hat was shot off. Bullets flew near him. However, George survived the battle unscathed. Another time, during the Revolutionary War, George rode his horse straight across the front line of the battle while the British fired their muskets. Again, George was not hit with one single bullet.

On another occasion, British ships were in the harbor. Washington's army was going to be trapped at Long Island if they did not make a move. George ordered his men to get into boats to escape. His officer reminded him that the British would see them, but George gave the order anyway. A thick fog came around and allowed the colonial army to escape by boat without the British seeing a thing. The news came that there was no fog in Manhattan that night--only in Long Island! Now who sent that fog? There was another time when God sent a storm so that the British could not assault the colonial army.

During the Revolutionary War, the colonial army was severely outnumbered and outgunned. The British had the best navy and military of that era. By the providence of Almighty God, the Americans won the victory and became an independent nation!

In the Bible, we can see the providence of God in many lives. God provided an ark of escape for Noah and his family to survive the flood. The children of Israel were given water from a rock and manna from heaven to eat in the wilderness. Job went through a terrible trial, but he was restored double all of his possessions. The widow of Zarephath was provided with enough oil and meal to get her family through the famine after feeding the prophet Elijah. Look at David's life. He was spared from death at the hands of the giant named Goliath and by Saul. There are many other accounts that we could speak of pertaining to the providence of God, but the one that stands out the most is Jesus Christ being the propitiation for our sins! Through the providence of God, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for sin! God provided the Savior that mankind so desperately needed.

There are promises of God's protection and provision in the Bible that are still relevant today. One such promise is Psalm 91. Another is found in Isaiah 41:10, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Psalm 46:1 also encourages, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." Psalm 121:7–8 declares, "The Lord will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul."

I'm sure you have your own stories witnessing the providence of God in your own life. He has protected you and provided for you each day, even when you were not conscious of it at times. Don't forget to thank God for His providence over your life every day. God is faithful!