Putting God to the Test
April 19, 2024
He’s shaping your life
February 15, 2017
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. –JEREMIAH 29:11
The man or woman who trusts that God is in control has no need to “get even” or to hold a grudge. Joseph proved this when he was reunited with his brothers after they had sold him into slavery. His confidence in God allowed him to say “But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)
Perhaps he had a right to blame his brothers for all the bad things that had happened to him, but he was wise enough to see beyond the immediate and discern God’s purpose. This is the mark of a mature man. While living in North Carolina, I had several occasions to visit Charlotte, “the queen city.” The Myers Park section of Charlotte is an incredible maze of curving roads and cul-de-sacs, all confusing to a driver unfamiliar with the area. I soon discovered (with help from the natives) that the key to traffic flow in Myers Park is a thoroughfare known as Providence Road. This street is the hub that runs through the section, tying together all the tangled roads.
Providence expresses the idea that the hand of God is shaping our lives, and shaping history. We are not at the mercy of a cyclical, happenstance repetition of events or ideologies, moving aimlessly through time and space. Our destiny is not controlled by powerful nations, great men or circumstances. It rests securely and comfortably in the hands of God.
Perhaps he had a right to blame his brothers for all the bad things that had happened to him, but he was wise enough to see beyond the immediate and discern God’s purpose. This is the mark of a mature man. While living in North Carolina, I had several occasions to visit Charlotte, “the queen city.” The Myers Park section of Charlotte is an incredible maze of curving roads and cul-de-sacs, all confusing to a driver unfamiliar with the area. I soon discovered (with help from the natives) that the key to traffic flow in Myers Park is a thoroughfare known as Providence Road. This street is the hub that runs through the section, tying together all the tangled roads.
Providence expresses the idea that the hand of God is shaping our lives, and shaping history. We are not at the mercy of a cyclical, happenstance repetition of events or ideologies, moving aimlessly through time and space. Our destiny is not controlled by powerful nations, great men or circumstances. It rests securely and comfortably in the hands of God.
