“…he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” ( Dan. 4:35)
Any serious discussion of God must include mention of His sovereignty and Divine providence. God is God and He is going to do what He pleases when He pleases. Everything that happens was either planned or permitted by Him. There is no such thing as chance, luck, or accidents. God either causes or allows everything that happens. There is never a second when He isn’t in control. And “He hath done all things well” Mark 7:37). For Christians this is a glorious subject to consider. But it is also a great mystery.
It’s easy to talk about Divine providence when things are as we desire, but many forget about it when things are not going their way. They can’t imagine how God could be involved in something so difficult and painful — especially when it involves someone so good and deserving as they consider themselves to be. The mystery causes them to murmur.
We quote Rom. 8:28 to others when they are going through tough times, but we find it hard to believe when we are plagued by problems. We think, surely we must be an exception, because we reason that nothing good could come out of it. However, some of the best things have come as a result of the worst things. And it’s not our place to judge how God takes care of His business. Protesting providence is dumb and dangerous. God doesn’t make any mistakes. He knows what He is doing and doesn’t need our advice.
So how can we find peace? How can we mourn without murmuring? Is it even possible? The path to peace is submission. Charles Spurgeon said it well–” The best remedy for affliction, is sweet submission to God’s providence. What can’t be cured must be endured… Divine Providence is a downy pillow for an aching head– and a blessed salve for the sharpest pain. He who can feel that his times are in the hand of God need not tremble at anything that is in the hand of man!”
We won’t find peace until we awaken to the fact that our wounds are meant to heal us, or help us in some other way known only to God. We complain because we think things could or should be different, but we don’t see the big picture– God’s eternal purpose. If we did we would rejoice. Were we as wise as God we would be in complete agreement with Him. Since we aren’t we must trust Him, and we have good reason to do so. Let us comfort ourselves with the words of the old song that says, ” Farther along we’ll know all about it. Farther along we’ll understand why” –HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
