God works in our lives in two primary ways:
1. Through Miracles
God sometimes interrupts the natural order of things here with signs that defy human explanation. Jesus did miracles.. a flurry of them even through his Apostles. He still does do miracles sometimes in answer to prayer. We don't control that. These from God are rare by design, and always purposeful otherwise they'd be called "regulars". They reveal His glory, authenticate His message, and draw people to Himself.
When you really look at it, the Bible does show a surge of miracles during key moments—like during the ministries of Moses, Elijah. It's true, I see a flurry of miracles in the Bible at the time of Jesus Christ, and the Apostles while walking here. I see fewer happen before, and as time passed after their being here.
I call them divine bursts of proof: Jesus is the Messiah. The Apostles spoke His true Gospel and we share that Gospel too. But you don’t see these miracles so often now do you—it's not because God is weaker, but because His written Word (the canon is done and closed). It has been given and His Church has been established. Still, God can and does perform miracles today—God is not bound at all. So what's the greatest miracle? I would say regenerating people like me. He raises spiritually dead sinners to life who repent and believe in Jesus. Yes, rasing the dead (he had a part in raising himself even) and saving people are his top miracles. He can save you eternally as well.
2. Through Providence
Unlike miracles, Providence doesn’t break natural law—prvodemce works through it. Providence is God’s invisible hand in a believer's life so to speak, beautifully weaving together through the free choices, attitudes, actions, preferences of people, the forces of nature (inside and outside of you), and even the schemes of the devil ..to fulfill God's perfect plan here. God isn't mean to people and the devil doesn't want to do God's will, but he get's used anyways. Sometimes I've been tested, and the reason why is to see if I pass the test (it for my learning really). Providence for us believers never stops--it's contant. Every second of every day, God is sovereignly guiding all things, ordering things for His glory. With every conversation, delay, promotion, illness, or closed door—He’s right there, managing every molecule and living cell of creatures of this earth. God never wastes a moment. Even evil cannot escape His governance. God doesn't cause evil, but He uses it on occasion, He ordains it, and He limits it for His purposes.
"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." Romans 8:28 amp
"And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe." Colossians 1:17
Providence is The Greater Miracle of God’s Constant Care.
I want to edify you today with a passionate, soul-stirring tone and His words to be all in for Jesus.. to go the distance with Him. Finish strong by His grace. Yes, I want to minister to you in a way that will really encourage and exhort you to pray more earnestly, and to walk close with the Lord, looking to him to meet all, not just some of your needs. Lukewarm saints look partly to the world or to self to meet needs, but on-fire believers look to the Lord to meet all their needs.. even the needs of those around them.
God’s Providence, It's All Easy For Him To Pull Off, But This Seems Like The Greater Miracle To Me.
God is not distant. He is alive, present, and actively involved in the lives of His people. But His ways are not always so loud. His Spirit doesn't always communicate so loud. Sometimes it's a still small voice. Sometimes they’re subtle. He does works through miracles—those extraordinary moments where He overrides the laws of nature. But more often, He works through providence—the quieter, continuous orchestration of events that reveal His loving hand that will accomplish His will. Both are divine. But providence.. sup with that? That’s the masterpiece that we often overlook.
Miracles: The Visible Fingerprints of God
God lives outside the time continuum, He can see the end from the beginning. He can see a parade from above it start to finish. He can see the whole path of your life as well. Before it started, where it started, where it will end and where you go after that. Where this world will go after you go. Miracles are God’s extraordinary interventions in time and space. Remember when God used Moses and parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), He made the sun stand still (Joshua 10:13), He healed the blind (John 9:6–7), and He raised the dead (John 11:43–44). God is God and we are not. These are not myths—they are historical realities, attested by Scripture and meant to show people the power, compassion, and authority of God.
Living By Faith In Jesus, Not By Sight Or Fancy Flash Or By Getting Our Own Way.. Is What We Are Called To.
Jesus performed many miracles not just to help people out, but to prove that He is the Messiah, the Son of God (John 20:30–31).
Miracles confirm the message of the gospel and glorify the Father (John 11:4). Do they happen in the third world today? Yes. Can they happen in the Western 1st world? Yes. They demonstrate that God can do the impossible where and when He wants to. But even in the Bible, miracles were not an everyday occurrence—they were rare, strategic, and deeply purposeful. They each sent a clear message to people.
Providence: God’s Sovereignty in the Shadows
Providence is God’s divine guidance working through normal events—via conversations, via weather, via appointments.. with precise timing, even with the delays. It’s how God steers the ship of history without ripping the sails of human will. The Westminster Confession defines providence as “God’s most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing of all His creatures, ordering them to His own glory.”
We see it in Joseph's life: “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). In Ruth’s “chance” arrival in Boaz’s field too (Ruth 2:3). And in Esther’s rise to the throne “for such a time as this” to help rescue God's Jewish people from slaughter. God used her (Esther 4:14). These were not miracles. These were God’s quiet loving fingerprints.
Again, the apostle Paul reminds us: “God works all things together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). That’s about providence. Not all things are good here, but God works through them for our good.
“God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. When we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon
Read that again; it speaks of the heartbeat of trusting God's providence.
Beware of Chasing After Signs and Blessings Instead of After the Savior who is Lord of All.
Some people in today’s world have made miracles like the centerpiece of faith. They expect God to always respond with fireworks, healings, wealth, or dramatic rescue. They demand a feeling from the Holy Spirit too. But when He doesn’t give them miracles or blessings and they go deeper into debt, their faith just crumbles. That’s because they were seeking the gift, and not the Giver. It's sad when people listen to and use their credit cards to give to rich false teachers who use their twisted message with some Scriptures out of context.
If their devotees quit sending them big checks and other gifts these hirlings would just go away.
We’re not promised miracles on demand from God—we’re promised His presence (Matthew 28:20), His provision (Philippians 4:19), and His purposes fulfilled in us (Romans 8:29). True Christians are to zealously and wisely pursue God, not just His power. He still keeps all his promises.
Jesus said, “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign” (Matthew 12:39). That doesn’t mean we don’t believe He can do miracles—we do when it's right. But we don’t build or alter our faith on them. Why build on the shifting sand? We are to build on the Rock (Matthew 7:24–25).
Providence is About Great Grace that's Free.
Why? It's God's way. All His blessings are free. Religionists won't tell you that. It's because providence requires infinite Godly wisdom. It’s not God going against or breaking His basic rules—it’s God writing them with precision. It’s God turning things around for us--it's Him using even the past blunders of sinful choices we made to backfire in devils face. It's about Him using the detours and disasters to bring about redemption. It’s God weaving every thread into His perfect plan. Sure sins have consequences--some of God's kids often end up in jail for their crimes so that they can learn the holy fear of God and His word better.
Consider this: Satan planned evil through Judas. Men sentenced Jesus unjustly. The cross looked like a total disaster for Jesus. But in that horrorific situation, God the Father orchestrated the greatest redemption in all of history (Acts 2:23). Each member of the Godhead had a part in Christ's physical resurrection. That’s a miracle happening, and providence working for God's glory.
God’s providence doesn’t always feel or look so spectacular, but it is supernatural. He governs the affairs of men and nations, aligning outcomes with His purposes to bless people. It's all for His glory.
“Providence is the hand of God in the glove of human events.” – Matthew Henry
Practical Encouragement: Trusting God Day by Day is in Your Best Interest.. Yes, Even for Those Around You.
Are you feelin' discouraged by unanswered prayers? Keep praying and don't walk by feelings. Confused by some hardship? Angry at God or at the delays? Trust Him with His providence. Don’t get all gripy and murmur—lean in. Press in to know and follow Jesus closer. God is not ignoring you. He’s preparing you.
Sometimes what looks like rejection is really redirection.
What feels like delay, believer, is really divine preparation.
Every moment, big or small, is part of God’s design for those who walk with and serve Jesus. What does God in the Bible say?
Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”
And Psalm 33:11 also reminds us, “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.”
Walking by Faith takes a Daily Choice, Not a Whole Lot of Drama.
Signs are signs I say -- they are there to point us in the direction of the One and only Savior. Wonders (not lying wonders) are to make you pause and wonder about the Living Word of God.
Let the wonder in is what my former pastor, Chuck Swindoll, always said.
We are called to live for what or for who? We don't live for signs and wonders. We were never called of God to live for signs, wonders, fuzzy feelings or blessings, but for the Lord Himself.
Thank Him for miracles—but worship Him alone and praise Him for His kind providence. He will order your steps. You've got today to do His will. He is sovereign. He is wise. He is good. His plan is great. Always.
Let’s stop throwing a fit to get His attention. Providence is a reason for staying calm and letting the peace of God rule as an umpire. Where are you seated?
"For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus." Eph. 2:6 nlt
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." Col. 3:2-4
"..so that you will begin to know what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His active, spiritual power is in us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength which He produced in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion whether angelic or human, and far above every name that is named above every title that can be conferred, not only in this age and world but also in the one to come." Ephesians 1:19-21 amp
Remember where you are with Him. Stop demanding signs and start depending on Him daily with His wisdom. Let’s embrace the sort of quieter miracle of daily grace instead of worldly wisdom. Let’s focus on Him in the now, and look at life from His perspective—every detail—and say with confidence:
“My times are in Your hands.” Psalm 31:15
He delights to bless His children. Are you His child yet? God ordains the good stuff happening (the blessings) in our lives, and some suffering too. Not out of cruelty, but out of wisdom.
Through suffering here on earth we can see His justice, His mercy, His wrath, and His gracious patience. Without evil in the world, how would we ever know His forgiveness, compassion, or grace? He does not author evil, and He does not let it long run loose either. Even Satan serves God's purposes here, though unknowingly. Unwittingly.
Out God is sovereign over everything. When trials or spiritual attacks hit, we can remain calm—not because things are easy, but because His Providence never takes a break. We try to avoid all the temptations.. places of temptation for us.. and the attacks on the streets.
And for those wrestling with hard questions—“Why did God let His Son die?” or “Why does a loving God allow Hell for anyone?”—the cross is your answer, Sport.
Love and justice met right there. Wrath and mercy kissed right there. Christ took on what we deserved right there, so that we could receive what we never could earn. That wasn’t plan B right there. That was always God's plan A after Adam's fall in the garden.
So yes—miracles are real. Providence is constant--just as real. And our Sovereign Lord rules with perfect wisdom and unshakable love through it all. Trust Him today..right now.
Believe in Jesus and watch him working all things, even the really hard things, for your good. Rest in Him. Let His Word and Holy Spirit steady your heart, mind and human spirit. Let Him fill you up, or refill you up.
He’s still on the throne, hasn't fallen off His throne once. He is in control even now. Always has been. Always will be.
"Divine providence is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and directs all things in the universe. The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things. He is sovereign over the universe as a whole (Psalm 103:19), the physical world (Matthew 5:45), the affairs of nations (Psalm 66:7), human destiny (Galatians 1:15), human successes and failures (Luke 1:52), and the protection of His people (Psalm 4:8). This doctrine stands in direct opposition to the idea that the universe is governed by chance or fate...
If God is not in control of all things, then He is not sovereign, and if He is not sovereign, then He is not God. So, the price of maintaining contingencies outside of God’s control results in a belief that God is not really God. And if our free will can trump divine providence, then who ultimately is God? We are. That conclusion is unacceptable to anyone with a biblical worldview. Divine providence does not destroy our freedom. Rather, divine providence takes our freedom into account and, in the infinite wisdom of God, sets a course to fulfill God’s will."
As I muse over this on the macro level, it is just unfathomable. It's inconceivable, I mean the number of molecules and the number of living cells in one person. The magnitude of God's creation and the universe blows me away. The number of people that God is continually caring for here is astounding.
Deists falsely think that God made this creation and then walked away, but it didn't happen that way.
Questions:
- On God's plan - if God is love and hell was made for fallen rebelious angels, how then could he send any human to Hell? How can I NOT go there too?
- What's the difference between the loving God of the New Testament and what appears to be the angry and vengeful God of the Old Testament?
- Why does God love me? What if I don't feel it? If God is love, why did he require his own Son Jesus to die such a cruel death on the cross at Calvary? If we are to love the sinner and hate the sin as we've been taught, then why does God send sinners who reject Him to hell?
- How could the Lord be a God of love, of wrath, of jusitce, and one that is jealous?
God is equally in control over evil things even though He's not ever doing evil. He completely controls everything -- History is His story. It'll end just as He has it planned. The devil is God's devil. I think that's why the enemy doesn't want us reading the Revelation -- there we see what will happen to him and his thug crew.
Yes, Let it sink in. He has ordained some suffering and God still orders it -- he is in control with his wise Providence today. Persecution will happen in these last of the last days.
God himself isn't into evil, nor does he do any evil, but He sometimes allows evil to happen. We can be comforted in knowing that he's still orchestrating it all down here.
No matter the hurts, the brokenness, the trials and circumstances around you today, Jesus can restore, heal and save. Let Him rule in you without rival. Please remain calm and unperturbed, just watching the flow of God's Providence on a day-to-day basis,. being content and comforted that he has an end in mind that is good and nothing can change Him or that.
God is going to do His work in His way. See a need, meet it. Humbly ask Him to use you so that His will on earth will be done.. so that His gospel message will get through. What a blessing to be used of God.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 esv
May I repeat the basics here? He is sovereign over all -- He's never not in control. God's purposes will be fulfilled to the exaltation and glory of His Son.
There was a time when God was surrounded by only pure righteousness (before man was created, before Lucifer rebelled God was surround by his holy angels) and if it was always that way up to the day of rebellion.
When God allows evil here, it's not an unwilling permission. No, it's not a bare permission. God's involvement in allowing evil here is not merely some passive allowance, but rather it's more an active and intentional role, even if not a direct cause of evil itself. He is sovereign, and we can learn.
Interesting the theodicy (The effort that theologians make to explain God's managing of sovereignty over evil down here. But.. again he is not at all blameworthy or culpable ever.
Theodicy, derived from Greek words meaning "God" and "justice," is the theological attempt to explain why a just and all-powerful God allows evil to exist in the world.
I challenge you in your Bible. Let's prayerfully explore where God's sovereignty and love are reconciled: Yes, in how God is sovereign with the presence of suffering and evil in this world.
The problem of evil arises from the apparent contradiction between the existence of a benevolent, loving and omnipotent God and the undeniable reality of pain, disease, sickness, suffering and evil in this world.
Theodicy has been seen as a theological defense of God's righteousness in the face of evil happening here. It's about seeking to biblically explain how God can be fully just, merciful, kind and loving while allowing this evil to exist here. Does God's Word really need a defence?
Never forget. The Bible teaches that God is absolutely sovereign over all and He has a good purpose for you and for His church.
God has never once been found blameworthy. He is not at all culpable in any sense, but he decreed that evil would exist and that's hard to grasp. It's true and that he would manage that evil for his own eternal glory.
THINK ABOUT IT. ONE HUGE ASPECT OF GOD'S NATURE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN KNOWN OR MANIFESTED IF HE DID NOT ALLOW FOR EVIL TO HAPPEN HERE.
We all need to know Him as the Bible teaches. We need to grasp hold of who He really is and know what he thinks about sin, His holy hatred of it, what happens to those who live for it. We need to know about His coming judgement, about his holy wrath on earth during the 7 years of Tribulation and at His Second Coming. We need to understand his perfect justice and mercy, his kind forgiveness, compassion, empathy, tenderheartedness, and free saving grace.
God is not the author of confusion. He's not the author of evil, though He's in absolute control over it.
He does not act in any evil way ever, He cannot or he would deny Himself.
