His Providence is Good

God’s providential care is one of the more comforting thoughts for the Christian. The Christian can encounter and work through trials with a sense of confidence, knowing that the sovereign Lord of Heaven has preordained such things for our good and His glory. We can be assured that as we navigate both the good and bad times in our lives, He has engineered these scenarios for our sanctification. Dr. Lawson, in this excerpt from his book Made in Our Image, discusses God’s providence.

Not only does God plan good things for us, He also sovereignly works to bring these good things to pass. The divine certainty by which He guarantees that these preordained things will be realized in our lives is called His providence. Providence is a theological term that refers to the loving, sovereign care with which God governs all the affairs and circumstances of our daily lives.

Addressing this truth, the apostle Paul said, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). According to this verse, God micromanages all that occurs in our lives to bring about good for us. With perfect design and infinite wisdom, God coordinates every event and occurrence in our lives—our triumphs and tragedies and everything in between—for the highest good, which He defines as being “conformed to the image of His Son” (v.29).

What an expression of His goodness toward us!

This does not mean that God will not allow evil to occur in our lives. It means that He will use even the evil for our good. The Bible teaches that because God is good, He will use for our good even that which others mean for our harm.

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There is no clearer illustration of God’s benevolent providence over the affairs of men than the death of Jesus Christ. The Cross is the ultimate example of God providentially using sinful, sinister powers to accomplish His good pleasure. Although the Pharisees conspired against and falsely accused Jesus, Judas betrayed Him, the Romans declared Him guilty, and godless men murdered Him on cross, Jesus remained submitted to the will of God the Father. In the face of evil forces, dead religion, and painful adversity, God sovereignly worked out our highest good—eternal salvation.

Perhaps you have been the victim of some great evil. Perhaps you have greatly suffered because of the sinful actions of another. If so, I want you to know that God is so good that He can use even the great harm that has fallen upon you for your spiritual good. Because His goodness is inseparable from His sovereignty and His wisdom, He can use evil to carry out His eternal purposes for your life. Although your experience has doubtless been painful and confusing, be assured of God’s perfect goodness toward you. He will use the evil done to you for your good—to conform you to the image of Christ.

All quotations taken from Made in Our Image, by Steven Lawson.