The Vision
The Vision
In this issue we examine the the doctrine of the providence of God, an ever present meditation for those dependent on Him for strength, guidance, and sustenance. We are taught by Scripture that all things are upheld by the word of His power (Heb.1:3). And that in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). So, while others are attributing "good" and 'bad" events in life to chance, we know that there is Someone behind the scenes ordering everything for a purpose.
The idea of God's providence is one of supreme comfort and meaning for the Christian. Knowing, first of all, that God has a plan and is in total control of that plan gives us peace. And that He has made us a part of that plan, "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" gives us confidence. This knowledge is transforniing when we realize that God's determination to glorify Himself includes us and that His will will be done. Being on the winning side that has already won because it could never have lost could, outside the realization of the grace of God, make one cocky.
But, of course, knowing God has a plan doesn't mean we know all the details. Take, for instance, the apostle Paul. In Acts 16 he had just gone through the region of Galatia and was heading toward Asia before God told him to stop. Endeavoring to be obedient to God he changes direction and steers his small band toward Bithynia, and once again God says, "Wrong way." Interestingly enough, Luke, the writer of Acts, gives us no commentary on this event. You would think an explanation would be in order when you have an apostle heading southwest then northeast then finally northwest.
I used to wonder what Timothy (who had just joined Paul) and the rest of the group were thinking. Imagine Paul's planning sessions each evening, "Fellows, tomorrow we're going to Asia." After a couple of days, "Guys, we're going to Bithynia." Then when they were told about the Macedonian vision they were probably thinking, "Yeah, right".
But there is no reason given why Paul was in the dark concerning which direction he was to take. From a literary point of view we, too, are left guessing. Why was there no vision earlier so the direction would be clear?! Does that bother you? Been there, done that?
But Luke offers no reason. And the great thing about that is that there was no reason needed. And this is whence springs our comfort and confidence. Instead of waiting for a mystical experience before we make decisions, or proceeding in fear that we may possibly "step out" of God's perfect will and paint ourselves into the corner of God's permissive will for the rest of our lives, we go about our lives endeavoring to glorify God in all that we do assured of the fact that as we are obedient to the imperatives and principles of Scripture, God will guide and provide.
James instructs us in his epistle that we are not to think and act as if we are the captains of our own souls. "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life?" Notice that careful planning, studying demographics, and making money is not part of James' warning. We are to exercise our spiritual gifts and God given talents. In every enterprise, whether it be evangelism or a hamburger franchise, God wants us to act in wis- dom and to acquiesce to His plan. 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." If the Lord wills, we will buy and sell and make a profit. If the Lord wills, we will go to Bithynia. And if He doesn't will... we will try something else, for His glory.
As my wife, Angela, and I began planning to join R. C. and Denise here at the Highlands Study Center, many good friends asked us the same question, 'How do you know that this is God's will for your life?" Our reply was, "We don't know for sure." But one thing we knew for sure was that God would provide the means and ministry if He wanted us here. And He has. Of course, not all things that come to pass please us. We are sometimes confused as to why God does some of the things He does. Even when there is pain and disappointment, when we are not sure deliverance will come, one thing we are sure of, God still rules and reigns supremely. And that we are His forever. In this temporary situation we call life, that is the comfort of hope . "… we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
For under the umbrella of God's providence, though we may not always know the where or how or when, we know the why. His plan, of which we are part, will always be done.