Divine providence in Christian preaching highlights God's wise and sovereign care over all circumstances, ensuring provision, protection, and perfect timing for His purposes (Romans 8:28, Matthew 6:26). Illustrations often use everyday images like nature's cycles, childlike trust, and life's hardships to reveal how God governs events for our ultimate good and spiritual growth.
God's providence wisely withholds the future to sustain hope and perseverance.
If we think it all through, we shall agree that it is better that futurity be hidden from our view. What little child would have the heart to begin the alphabet if, before he did so, his teacher put clearly before him all the school and college work of which the alphabet is the beginning? The poor little thing would give up at once. And so it is that Providence, kindly and gradually bringing things into our lives day by day, wiles us onward, still keeping hope and heart through the trials and cares of life. Knowledge of the future would certainly be the death-knell of hope, for why hope if we could know? Hope is a wonderful element of human happiness which is based on our ignorance of the future here on earth.
God's providential care ensures our needs despite hardships and our worries.
The members of the Ladies' Society had all been complaining that the dry season would ruin the crops. But there was one lady who was not complaining. They asked her if the drought had not hurt her fruit or garden. She said, "Yes, but I'll tell you what cured me of worrying. I used to fret over everything, and one spring when I sat down to have a good cry because an untimely frost during peach blossoming threatened to ruin our splendid prospect for fruit, my Aunt Martha came in and reminded me that she had lived eighty years, and the world's crop of provisions had never failed yet. 'If we don't have peaches, we'll have punkins,' said she. And I have noticed since then that, in spite of all the frosts and droughts, I've never suffered from lack of food, and I don't believe you have, either." They all smiled rather sheepishly, and the president said thoughtfully, "That's true. 'Peaches or punkins.' I'll try to remember that." We, too, should try to remember that everything continues to exist because of God's providential care in spite of us and our sinfulness.
God's providence prevents a man from suicide, leading him to repentance and prayer.
The year was 1772. One of those almost impenetrable fogs had settled down over the city of London.
In a dismal flat in the heart of the crowded East End, a man stood gazing into the fireplace. Then suddenly, overcome by emotions of discouragement, gripped by fears that he could not name, he threw his cloak about him and walked resolutely toward the door. He turned the key and walked out into the night.
Carefully he groped his way across the pavement and felt for the iron horse's head and the ring of the hitching post. Then, guided by the curbstone, he made his way to the nearest corner, where he knew a horse-drawn cab was always waiting.
He opened its door and ordered the driver, "To the Thames, sir!" For in his deep depression there seemed no way out but to jump from the bridge.
It should have taken 15 minutes, but after an hour and a half of negotiating the dark and foggy streets they realized they were hopelessly lost. In desperation, he decided to walk and paid the driver his fare.
But as he alighted, his arm struck a familiar object. It was the iron horse's head of the hitching post that to him was so familiar. After an hour and a half of fitful wandering he had alighted in front of his own home.
So impressed was he that he climbed the stairs to his flat, lighted the lamp, and knelt to ask God to forgive him for what he had thought to do. And then, there in that same room that had so lately overcome him with its gloom, he wrote these immortal words that were long a favorite hymn:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Yes, it was William Cowper who learned that night something of the wonder of God's providence.
God miraculously directs quail to provide food beyond their natural limits in the wilderness.
Research into the migratory habits of quail in the Middle East makes the miracle of the Lord's provision all the more exciting. Each autumn, the birds fly from central Europe to Turkey. There they prepare for a crossing of the Mediterranean. The flight across the ocean is done in a single flight at a very high speed. Any bird that falters falls into the sea. When the birds approach the land, they drop down in altitude but maintain their high speed. As soon as they are over the coastland they land exhausted and completely drained. They lie motionless for hours while they regain their strength. For years Bedouins who lived near the coast harvested the easy prey. Recently a law was passed and enforced which prohibited quail trapping.
The amazing thing about the biblical account of the provision of the quail is that the birds must have kept flying until they reached the wilderness of Sinai. How did the quail know to fly on farther after their already exhausting flight? Only the Lord who created them could have pressed them on.
God works unseen around us even when we feel nothing is happening.
My favorite caricature about Abraham Lincoln shows two tired Kentucky pioneers with their skinny dogs. They meet on a bleak February morning. One asked, "What is new out here, neighbor?" The other replied, "Nuthin at all... nuthin' at all, 'cept for a new baby boy down to Tom Lincoln's. Nuthin' ever happens out here."
In the light of history we know that God was causing great things to happen on that cold February morning-things of which the despondent pioneers were not aware.
In the dark moments of discouragement, we, too, have felt like that pioneer: "Nuthin' ever happens out here." Then we realize that God is still working out His purpose in life. The fault lies in our own lack of awareness. We may miss what God is doing all around us. Could we but develop an awareness, our lives would be filled with light and joy. God's love envelops us, but we must respond to that love if we are to experience its real meaning. The Calf Path
Edward Fudge tells this story:
One day through the primeval wood, a calf walked home as good calves should. But made a trail all bent askew, a crooked trail as all calves do.
Since then 300 years have fled, and I infer the calf is dead. But still he left behind his trail-and thereby hangs my moral tale.
The trail was taken up next day by a lone dog that passed that way. And then a wise bellwether sheep pursued the trail o'er vale and steep, and drew the flock behind him, too, as good bellwethers always do.
And from that day, o'er hill and glade, through those old woods a path was made. And many men wound in and out, and dodged and turned and bent about, and uttered words of righteous wrath because 'twas such a crooked path.
But still they followed the first migrations of that calf, who through this winding woodway stalked-because he wobbled when he walked.
This forest path became a lane, that bent and turned and turned again. This crooked lane became a road, where many a poor horse with his load toiled on beneath the burning sun, and traveled some three miles in one. And thus a century and a half they trod the footsteps of that calf.
The years passed on in swiftness fleet. The road became a village street; and this, before men were aware, a city's crowded thoroughfare. And soon the central street was this of a renowned metropolis. And men two centuries and a half trod in the footsteps of that calf.
Each day a hundred thousand rout followed this zigzag calf about, and over his crooked journey went the traffic of a continent.
A hundred thousand men were led by one calf, near three centuries dead. They followed still his crooked way, and lost 100 years a day. For thus such reverence is lent to well-established precedent.
A moral lesson this might teach were I ordained and called to preach. For men are prone to go it blind along the calf paths of the mind, and work away from sun to sun to do what other men have done.
They follow in the beaten track, and out and in, and forth and back, and still their dubious course pursue, to keep the path that others do.
They keep the path a sacred groove, along which all their lives they move. But how the wise old woods do laugh, who saw the first primeval calf.
Ah, many thing this tale might teach, but I am not ordained to preach!
Abraham Lincoln relied on Divine providence throughout his presidency.
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, was born in 1809. A well-known writer says: "The worldwide interest in President Lincoln, from the time he left his home in Springfield, Illinois to take the presidential chair at Washington in 1861, and the universal and real sorrow for his untimely death on the 15th of April, 1865, are very pronounced. Even to this present day there exists among the different nationalities of the earth a great interest in this wise and benevolent ruler. President Lincoln had endeared himself to the hearts of millions by his human sympathy, great wisdom, and kindly acts toward friend and foe alike in the most critical and difficult periods of the history of the United States, and after his death this was more fully realized and appreciated by all."
When Lincoln left Springfield, in 1861, on his way to Washington to take the Presidency of the United States to which he was elected, he made the following farewell address: "My friends, no one not in my position can appreciate the sadness I feel at this parting. Here I have lived for a quarter of a century, here my children were born, and here one of them lies buried. A duty devolves upon me which is greater perhaps than that which has devolved upon any other man since the days of Washington. He never would have succeeded except for the aid of Divine providence, upon which he at all times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without the same Divine aid which sustained him, and on the same Almighty Being I place my reliance for support. Again I bid you all an affectionate farewell." These simple words, addressed to his friends and neighbors, plainly show a reliance upon God, and indicate a work of God in his soul at that time.
Trying to control God's providence leads to confusion and failure; trust God instead.
"He that will be his own carver seldom carveth out a good portion to himself. Wilful spirits who would fain be their own providence intrench upon God's prerogative, and take the work out of his hands; and, therefore, no wonder if their wisdom be turned into folly." It is God's business to regulate providence, and when we attempt it we cause confusion and trouble. Not only does the carver for himself get a poor portion, but he frequently cuts his fingers, and spoils his clothes by spilling the contents of the dish. Israel went into Canaan well enough when the Lord led the way; but when the people before the set time presumed to go up of their own head, they brought defeat upon themselves. It is never well either to run before the cloud, or to stay behind it: in either case we may expect to fall under clouds of another sort, which will darken our way and becloud our peace.
Cannot we trust the Lord with his own business? Can we supplement infallible wisdom, or improve upon infinite goodness? Have we not enough to do if we earnestly endeavour to obey our Lord? Do we want to be rulers? Are we tired of being disciples and followers? Why do we strain after things too high for us, intruding into spheres which belong to God alone? My soul, stand thou still, and see the salvation of God! He is at the helm, and is well able to pilot the vessel. Keep thy hand off the tiller. Down with thee, unbelief, what hast thou to do while God himself provides for his people?
God’s timing is perfect; we must patiently trust and wait for His appointed moments.
"There is a clock with which Providence keepeth time and pace, and God himself setteth it." So that everything happens with divine punctuality. Israel came out of Egypt on the selfsame night in which the redemption was appointed, and afterwards wandered in the wilderness till the hour had come when the iniquity of the Amorites was full. Our time is always come, for we are in selfish haste; but our Lord when on earth had his set times and knew how to wait for them. The great God is never before his time, and never too late. We may well admire the punctuality of heaven. Our trials come in due season, and go at the appointed moment. Our fretfulness will neither hasten nor delay the purpose of our God. We are in hot haste to set the world right, and to order all affairs: the Lord hath the leisure of conscious power and unerring wisdom, and it will be well for us to learn to wait. The clock will not strike till the hour; but when the instant cometh we shall hear the bell. My soul, trust thou in God, and wait patiently when he says, "My time is not yet come."
God often works through unexpected means to accomplish His purposes.
God many times worketh contrary to outward likelihoods. When the bricks were doubled, who would look for deliverance? As the Hebrew tongue must be read backward, or as the sun going back ten degrees in Ahaz's dial was a sign of Hezekiah's recovery, so is providence to be read backward. Joseph was made a slave that he might be made a favourite. Who would have thought that the dungeon had been the way to the court, that error is a means to clear truth, and bondage maketh way for liberty? Thus have we found sickness work for our health and poverty promote our wealth. Our worst days have turned out to be our best days, and our low estate has lifted us on high. When storms come we may welcome them, for they bring blessing on their wings; but when our calm is long and deep we ought to
be on our watch, lest stagnation and disease should come of it. Science talks of curing by likes; but the Heavenly Physician heals both by likes and by contraries; in fact, he bends all things to his gracious purpose. To judge his proceedings is folly and ingratitude. What can we know? Especially what can we know of his design and purpose while his work is yet on the anvil? Our judgments at their best are only moderated foolishness. We are neither prophets nor sons of prophets, and it would be wise if we would no more speculate upon the results of divine operations, but firmly believe and patiently wait till the providence comes to the flower and to the seed, and God becomes his own interpreter. LIFE 18
God's providence oversees sin without being the author or stained by it.
"God can by no means be looked upon as the direct author of sin, or the proper cause of that obliquity that is in the actions of the creatures; for his providence is conversant about sin without sin, as a sunbeam lighteth upon a dunghill without being stained by it." This is a grand truth most clearly set forth. It will help us to answer many a gainsayer. Evil is in God's world, but God is good, and only good.
God personally provides and cares for believers as a gracious provider.
"To be carved for at table by a great prince would be counted as great a favour as the meal itself. To take outward blessings out of God's hand, to see that he remembereth us, and sendeth in our provision at every turn; this endeareth the mercy, and increaseth our delight therein." What, indeed, would most men give if they could say, "The Queen herself carved for me, and was most anxious that I should be well supplied"? But each believer has the Lord himself for his Provider. He loads our table, and fills our cup. Providence is no other than God providing. He measures out our joys, weighs our sorrows, appoints our labours, and selects our trials. There is no morsel on the saint's plate which is not of the Lord's carving, unless he has been so foolish as to put forth his hand unto iniquity. Is it not delightful to know that our Father's hand broke for us the bread which we have eaten this day; that the Saviour's own fingers mingled our cup, and that every blessing has come direct from God's own table? Surely we are as dear to God as the little ewe lamb in Nathan's parable was to the poor man; for we are told that "he had nourished it up, and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom." Does not this make our meat, and drink, and lodging more than royal? Are we not more than content with such fare? Yea, Lord, my portion tastes of love, for thy hand has sweetened it. A sacred perfume is on my raiment and in my chamber, for thou hast prepared both for me. And this would be true if I wore rags, and lay in a dungeon, in sore sickness. What a heritage is mine! One said, "I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me." In this passage the second sentence underwrote the first, and undermined its meaning: how can he be poor and needy of whom it can be said that the Lord thinketh upon him? O Lord, thou art my all, and my all in all: my all is more than all because it comes of thee, and is dealt out to me by thine own self.
God uses imperfect people and unlikely means to accomplish His purposes.
The raven was an unclean bird; God makes use of her to feed Elijah: though she was not good meat, yet it was good meat she brought. A lame man may with his crutch point out to you the right way, and yet not be able to walk in it himself.
— Mead
A thousand-year-old rose bush still blooms, showing enduring life and faithfulness.
The famous rose-tree planted a thousand years ago by the Emperor
Louis le Debonnaire, in the eastern choir of the Cathedral at Hildersheim, has been in particularly fine bloom this season, and looks fresher and greener than ever. Two shoots, which sprang up from the knotty millennial roots in 1863, have attained already the height of the roof.
Great things often start from small beginnings, as God causes growth and expansion.
The considerable actions in the world have usually very small beginnings. Of a few letters, how many thousand words are made of ten figures, how many thousand numbers! A point is the beginning of all geometry. A little stone flung into a pond makes a little circle, then a greater, till it enlarges itself to both the sides. So from small beginnings God doth cause an efflux through the whole world. S. Charnock.
Some needs, like capacity, cannot be bought but must be developed or given.
It is said that the wife of a petty official in the city of New York called upon her daughter's teacher to inquire what progress she was making in her studies. He reported her doing as well as could be expected, and only wanting a capacity. The mother said he should have informed them before, as her father was able to buy her one.
Daily cares keep life moving steadily like weights in a clock’s mechanism.
The every-day cares and duties of life, which men call drudgery, are the weights and counterpoises of the clock of time, giving its pendulum a true vibration, and its hands a regular motion; and, when they cease to hang upon the wheels, the pendulum no longer swings, the hands no longer move, the clock stands still.
— Longfellow
Like plants, people flourish and bear fruit when transplanted by God's providence.
As Gotthold was examining with delight some double pinks, which at the time were in full blossom, he was told by the gardener that the same plants had in former years borne only single flowers, but that they had been improved and beautified by repeated transplantations, and that in the same manner a change of soil increases the growth, and accelerates the bearing, of a young tree. This reminded Gotthold that the same happens to men. Many a man who at home would scarcely have borne even single flowers, when transplanted by Divine Providence abroad, bears double ones; another, who, if rooted in his native soil, would never have been more than a puny twig, is removed to a foreign elime, and there spreads far and wide his luxuriant boughs, and bears fruit to the delight of all.
God as our pilot cares for us amid life's storms, giving us comfort and confidence.
There is a story of a young man who was at sea in a raging tempest, and, when all the passengers were at their wits' end for fear, he only was merry; and, when he was asked the reason of his mirth, he answered, that the pilot of the ship was his father, and he knew his father would have a care of him. The great and wise God, he is our pilot, he sits at the stern; and though the ship of the Church or State be in a sinking condition, yet be of good comfort, our Pilot will have a care of us. Spencer.
God can provide deliverance and a way out for those burdened by debt through prayer and effort.
There came a man of God to Amaziah, and forbade his taking the Ephraimites to battle, because God was not with them. "Oh, then!" says Amaziah, "what shall I do for the hundred talents which I gave them for their help?"—"No matter," says the prophet: "cannot God give thee more than this?" So it may be said to all who are so entangled in a labyrinth of engagements that they can see no way of escape. God, if he be truly sought unto, can give a happy issue, more than the debt comes to. When they know not how to be delivered, nor have any means or power in their view, let earnest prayer be joined with frugality, skill, and industry, and they are sure to be delivered. Spencer.
God provides a lifeline to rescue souls from perilous spiritual danger.
Prof. Ruggles of Dartmouth College, in attempting to recover a lady's parasol which slid down the bank of Niagara River at Goat Island, fell down to the very brink of the precipice. He caught hold of the roots of an upturned tree, which seemed ready to fall over the precipice. The ladies shrieked; but no help was at hand. One of the ladies took off her skirt, and tore it into strips, which she tied together, and made a rope long enough, by tying on other articles, to reach down to Mr. Ruggles, who, taking hold of it, was able to walk slowly up the bank. The suspense was fearful. Had the rope given away, Mr. Ruggles must have been dashed to pieces on the rocks a hundred feet below. Thus the souls of men are imperilled on slippery rocks; but the cable of hope is thrown out for their rescue.
God's providence can empower deliverance from seemingly inevitable destruction.
Many years since, a steamboat was accustomed to make daily trips between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The nearest point at which she could approach the mighty cataract was Chippewa Creek, about ten miles distant on the Canada side.
One day, there was a pleasure-excursion; and several hundred men, women, and children, went down from Buffalo. After spending the day in all sorts of amusements, they gathered themselves on board the boat, towards night, to return to their homes. By some miscalculation of the engineer, sufficient steam had not been generated; and when, after passing out of the creek, the boat met the strong, rapid current of the river, instead of going forward, she was slowly borne backward, towards the dreadful cataract. The people on board became instantly alarmed. The color fled from their cheeks; they stood in speechless horror; the roar of the cataract sounded fearfully distinct in their ears as they were slowly borne back towards it. At length, the engineer bethought him of the oil with which he lubricated the machinery. He threw it into the furnace: the flame blazed up intensely; steam was generated more rapidly; the wheel moved round with increased velocity. There was a pause as the Titan forces were contending for the mastery. A moment more, and there was an upward movement. Slowly the boat made way against the current. In a short time, the danger was passed. A venerable man among the passengers said, "The Lord hath delivered us. Great is the name of the Lord. Let us pray." And down upon the deck kneeled the multitude, while the heartfelt offering of thanksgiving went up to God, who had wrought out for them so great a salvation. But it did not end here. The feeling that had been awakened by the near approach of death did not, with all, pass away when the danger was over, as is very often the case. Even there, on the brink of that awful precipice, many found the Saviour. A revival followed in the church to which many of them belonged; and many found peace in believing. One, a man of great wealth, dedicated much of it to God in the building of a church as a memorial of his gratitude for being snatched from destruction both in this life and the life to come.
Providence can turn foolish investments into unexpected blessings and wealth.
A native of Massachusetts, "more famed for his money than his wit," inquired of some merchants whom he knew, how he should dispose of a few hundred dollars. To boax him, they answered, "Why, buy a cargo of warming-pans, and send them to the West Indies, to be sure!" Not suspecting the trick, he bought all the warming-pans he could find, and sent them to a climate where there was every reason to suppose that ice would be far more acceptable. But "Providence sometimes shows his contempt of wealth by giving it to such fools." The warming-pans met with a rapid sale; the tops being used for strainers, and the lower parts for dippers, in the manufacture of molasses. With the proceeds of this profitable cargo, he built a vessel; and being informed by the carpenter, that wales were wanting, he called on an acquaintance, and said, "My head workman sends me word that he wants wales for the vessel. What does he mean?" "Why, whalebones, to be sure!" answered the man, who, like everybody else, was willing to impose on his stupidity. Whalebones were accordingly bought; but, finding that Boston could not furnish enough, he emptied New York and Philadelphia. The ship-carpenters, of course, had a hearty laugh at his expense; but, by a singular turn of fortune, this blunder also was the means of increasing his wealth. It soon after became fashionable for ladies to wear stays completely lined with whalebone; and, as none was to be found in the country, it brought an immense price. Thus his coffers were a second time filled by his odd speculations. Percy.
Small, accidental events can profoundly affect the course of a person's life.
Surely, no man can reflect without wonder, upon the vicissitudes of human life, arising from causes in the highest degree accidental and trifling. If you trace the necessary concatenation of human events a very little way back, you may perhaps discover that a person's very going in or out of a door has been the means of coloring with misery or happiness the remaining current of his life. Greville.
God providentially protects and sustains His people even in dire circumstances.
In the days of the Reformation, Brentius of Wurtemberg, being pursued by persecuting soldiers, escaped into a bay-loft, and concealed himself under the hay. The soldiers entered the place, and ran their bayonets up through the hay, without detecting him. Every day, for fourteen days, a hen laid an egg in the hay, which was his only means of support. Then the supply ceased, which he took as an intimation of Providence, that it would now be safe to come out from his concealment. He found that the soldiers had just left the town; and he was able to seek a place of safety.
Great men owe much to opportunity and timing, not just their own abilities.
Subtract from a great man all that he owes to opportunity, and all that he owes to chance, all that he has gained by the wisdom of his friends and by the folly of his enemies, and our Brobding-will often become a Liliputian. I think it is Voltaire who observes, that it was fortunate for Cromwell that he appeared upon the stage at the precise moment when the people were tired of kings; and as unfortunate for his son Richard, that he had to make good his pretensions at a moment when the people were equally tired of protectors.
— Colton
God providentially sent needed money at the exact moment of a widow's financial crisis.
A Christian widow was menaced with pecuniary difficulties which it seemed an utter impossibility for her to meet. She was enabled to cast the care on God. Two bills were to be met on a certain day, which amounted to fifty pounds. The morning for payment dawned; and the widow felt that guidance or deliverance would come, and not be too late. The post arrived, and a letter from India was placed in her hand. On opening it, a note for fifty pounds fell out. It was money of her own, which had been sent to that country on her arrival in England. Now it was returned, with the announcement that it was not needed. God sent the needful help thousands of miles, to be ready the very hour and moment even of the widow's necessity.
God sees human lives from weak beginnings to their ultimate powerful destiny reflecting His glory.
Doubtless, if we could stand—as so many brave hearts have striven to do—beside the fount of the Nile, it would be hard to think that little trickling stream was actually the same as the great river of Egypt, and that it should grow and swell deeper and stronger, receiving the floods of heaven and the tribute of earth, till at last it should roll in resistless seas of water, bearing fertility and blessing over all the land. Hardly could we bring ourselves to call that poor weak rill the Nile. But before one Eye at least in the universe the feeble spring and the mighty river are one. He sees it all mapped out from its source in weakness to its end in power. And can we never rise high enough into the upper air of thought to see like him our human fellow-rivers, not only in their feeble struggles through the rocks and stones in their path, but as they shall be hereafter, far away, perhaps a thousand years to come, down cataracts of death, and past long deserts of unknown worlds,—but as they shall surely be at last, each flowing on, a majestic benediction through the universe, reflecting on his ever-swelling bosom the infinite glory of God?
— Miss Cobbe
Grumbling at hardships can blind us to God's providential protection and care.
A merchant was riding home with a knapsack full of money behind him: it rained heavily, and he was wet through and through. He complained bitterly that God gave him such bad weather for his journey. His way led him through a thick wood. Here, with horror, he saw a robber, who pointed a gun at him, and pulled the trigger. He would have been killed without a chance of escape; but, owing to the rain, the powder had become damp, and the gun did not go off. The merchant put spurs to his horse, and escaped the danger. Then he reflected on his folly in grumbling at the very providence which saved his life.
God limits our knowledge to protect us from disquiet and impatience about the future.
A greater degree of hearing would incommode us, and a nicer degree of seeing would terrify us. If our eyes could see things microscopically, we should be afraid to move. Thus our knowledge is suited to our situation and our circumstances. Were we informed more fully, beforehand, of the good things prepared for us by Providence, from that moment we should cease to enjoy the good things we possess, become indifferent to present duties, and be filled with restless impatience. Or, suppose the things foreknown were gloomy and adverse, what dismay and despondency would be the consequence of the discovery! and how many times should we suffer in imagination what we now only endure once in reality! Who would wish to draw back a veil which saves them from so many disquietudes? If some of you had formerly known the troubles through which you have since waded, you would have fainted under the prospect. But what we know not now we shall know hereafter. Jacob Abbott.
God provides warm clothing for man and tempers the cold for the shorn lamb.
A mother took her little daughter Ida to see the shearing of the sheep. The little girl said, "Ah, how cruel men are to torment the poor animals!" — "Oh, no!" answered the mother: "God has ordered it so, that men might clothe themselves; for they are born naked." — "But," said Ida, "now the poor sheep will be so cold!" — "Oh, no!" answered the mother: "He gives the warm raiment to man, and tempers the wind to the shorn lamb." Krummacher.
Victory comes from trusting God first, not foreign alliances, in righteous causes.
Three hundred years ago, in Holland, about one million of people stood for Protestantism and freedom in opposition to the mightiest empire of that age, whose banners the pope had blessed. William, the Prince of Orange, a man who feared God, was the champion of the righteous cause. In the heat of the struggle, when the young republic seemed about to be overwhelmed, William received a missive from one of his generals, then in command of an important post, inquiring, among other things, if he had succeeded in effecting a treaty with any foreign power, as France or England, such as would secure aid. His reply was, "You ask me if I have made a treaty for aid with any great foreign power; and I answer, that, before I undertook the cause of the oppressed Christians in these provinces, I made a close alliance with the King of kings; and I doubt not that he will give us the victory." And so it proved.
Divine providence protects us from harm even in unexpected places.
One day, a friend mentioned to Dr. Gill the remark of Dr. Halley, that close study preserves a man's life by keeping him out of harm's way. Shortly after, just as Dr. Gill left his study to preach, a chimney was blown down, crushing the writing-table where he had been sitting a few moments before. The doctor remarked, "A man may come to danger and harm in the closet as well as on the highway, if he be not protected by the special care of Divine Providence."
Great inventions often arise from noticing small, seemingly insignificant events.
The art of printing, probably the parent of more good than all others, owes its origin to rude impressions taken (for the amusement of children) from letters carved on the bark of a beech-tree. This was a slight matter, which thousands would have passed over with neglect. Gunpowder was discovered from the falling of a spark on some materials mixed in a mortar; or, perhaps, we should rather say that artillery was the consequence of this spark and the due observation of the circumstance. The stupendous results of the steam-engine may all be traced to an individual observing steam issuing from a bottle just emptied, and placed casually close to a fire. He plunged the bottle-neck into cold water, and was intelligent enough to notice the instantaneous rush which ensued from this simple condensing apparatus. Electricity was discovered by a person observing that a piece of rubbed glass or some similar substance attracted small bits of paper, &c. Galvanism, again, owes its origin to Madame Galvani's noticing the contraction of the muscle of a skinned frog, which was accidentally touched by a person at the moment of the professor, her husband, taking an electric spark from a machine. He followed up the hint by experiments. Pendulum-clocks were invented from Galileo's observing the lamp in a church swinging to and fro. The telescope we owe to some children of a spectacle-maker placing two or more pairs of spectacles before each other, and looking through them at a distant object. The glimpse thus afforded was followed up by older heads. The barometer originated in the circumstance of a pump, which had been fixed higher than usual above the surface of a well, being found not to draw water: a sagacious observer hence deduced the pressure of the atmosphere, and tried quicksilver. The Argand lamp was invented by one of the brothers of that name having remarked that a tube held by chance over a candle caused it to burn with a bright flame, — an effect before unattainable, though earnestly sought after. Without the Argand lamp, lighthouses (to pass over minor objects) could not be made efficient; and on the importance of these it is needless to dwell. C. Knight.
Minute details are essential for the proper functioning of a greater whole.
Minute events are the hinges on which magnificent results turn. In a watch, the smallest, link-chain or ratchet, cog or crank, is as essential as the mainspring itself. If one fall out, the whole will stand still. Dr. Cumming.
Prayer helped a man overcome heavy financial loss by trusting God's provision.
Heine, the well-known physician of Berlin, lost once very heavily by the bankruptcy of a mercantile house. Hufeland met him a few days after, and expressed his sympathy. "I had rather you had not reminded me of it," he replied. "Thank God! I have got over it."—"How have you managed that?"—"Well, I was unable to forget it, thought upon it night and day, my mind was wandering, my family were sad and timid with fear. I felt that this must not continue; so I, a poor worm of earth, unable to come out of this distress, took refuge in the Almighty. I hurried to my bed-room, closed the door behind, and fell on my knees to pray with my whole heart. Then I felt as if God appeared to me, saying, 'Have I not the key of all treasuries? and can I not far more than replace thy loss? Be of good courage!' And now I have got over it, am once more happy in God; and prayer has done all this."
God providentially helps those who wisely use means and trust Him for the outcome.
Providence provides for the provident. God helps those who help themselves. We cannot command the wind; but we can spread the sails.
Providence intervened at critical moments to change the course of battles and history.
"A few drops of water, more or less," says Victor Hugo, "prostrated Napoleon." He meant that the battle of Waterloo was begun at eleven o'clock in the morning, because there was rain on the previous night, and Napoleon could not move his artillery over the heavy mud-plain until near noon, and that five hours' delay turned the fate of Europe; for Blucher did not arrive with his allies till the forces of the Iron Duke were all but defeated. In the same spirit, we believed, in the midst of our struggle, that nothing but Providence, immediately interfering in the crisis-hours of our destiny, could have saved us. You can never forget, how, just at the nick of time, the little "Monitor" came down against that terrible monster which might have destroyed Washington, and raised the blockade. In Hampton Roads, was fought, that day, a battle which revolutionized the navies of the world, while one great nation wept for joy, and all the nations wondered.
— C. D. Foss
An orphaned man felt cared for by God's providence despite lacking earthly parents.
Rev. J. Brown of Haddington, England, said that his epitaph might appropriately be, "Here lies one of the cares of Providence, who early wanted both father and mother, and yet never missed them."
God answers the prayers of the poor through unexpected human kindness and provision.
A poor French family were in great distress for food; when one of the children, who had heard of the bountiful Father, in a Sunday school, wrote a letter, telling God how poor, sick, and hungry they were. He directed his letter to the "Good God in Heaven," and dropped it into the charity-box in a church. A lady saw the boy's wan looks, took the letter from the box, was startled by its address, and moved by its contents. Giving the boy such a sum of money as he had never seen before, she told him that it was the answer of the good God to his letter.
God providentially anticipates and supplies needs before they are requested.
PROVIDENCE, Anticipation of The agent of the Christian Commission at Cincinnati received an order from the field for supply of krout and cabbage for immediate distribution to men who were dying of scurvy. There was no money in the treasury with which to do it, and the agent was in a quandary what to do; when he saw thirty-four barrels unloading in front of his office; and a letter with them showed them to contain the desired article from Lebanon, O. Providence anticipated the demand, and put it into the minds of the people of Lebanon to furnish an opportune supply.
God's providence is continuous and unceasing like the heartbeat sustaining life.
Providence has no sabbath. No night suspends it; and from its labors God never rests. If I may compare small things with great, it is like the motion of the heart. Beating our march to the grave, since the day we began to live, the heart has never ceased to beat. Our limbs may grow weary; not it. We sleep; it never sleeps. Needing no period of repose to recruit its strength, by night and day it throbs in every pulse; and constantly supplying nouriment to the meanest as well as the noblest organs of our frame, with measured, steady, untired stroke, it drives the blood along the bounding arteries, without any exercise of will on our part, and even when the consciousness of our own existence is lost in dreamless slumbers.
— Dr. Guthrie
God's providence may seem harsh but serves a greater good beyond human understanding.
A hermit, having seen an innocent shepherd punished with death, began to distrust Providence. Leaving his cave, and going forth into the world, an angel met and journeyed with him. The first night, they were entertained by a knight, whose infant child the angel strangled. From their next kind host, the angel stole a priceless golden cup, which he gave to their next host, a churlish man, who would only allow them to sleep in a shed. Passing a poor man on a bridge, the angel pushed him into the stream; and he was drowned. The hermit now thought his companion a devil instead of an angel. The angel explained, that, if the shepherd had not been slain, he would have committed great crimes; that the man whose child he strangled would have wasted his life in heaping up treasures for the child; that the golden cup would have led its possessor to a drunkard's grave; that the man whom he drowned would himself have committed murder, had he gone a half-mile farther; that he gave the cup to the inhospitable rich man, who received his reward in this life. Parnell.
God uses imperfect means to accomplish His perfect providential purposes.
Suppose you were in a smith's shop, and there should see several sorts of tools, — some crooked, some bowed, others hooked: would you condemn all these things for nought, because they do not look handsome? The smith makes use of them all for the doing of his work. Thus it is with the providences of God: they seem to us to be very crooked and strange; yet they all carry on God's work. Spencer.
God leads and delivers His people even through perilous and dark circumstances.
A Swiss chamois-hunter, crossing the Mer de Glace, fell into one of the enormous crevasses that rend the ice in many places. He fell a hundred yards without serious injury; but his situation seemed hopeless. He could not climb out; and the cold would soon freeze him to death. A stream of water ran down the crevasse; and he followed it, wading, stooping, crawling, or floating as best he could. At length he reached a vaulted chamber from which there was no visible outlet. The water heaved threateningly. Retreat was impossible, delay was death. Commending himself to God, the hunter plunged into the whirling flood. Then followed a moment of darkness and terror; then he was thrown up amid the flowers and hay-fields of the Vale of Chamouni. Newman Hall uses this story to illustrate deliverance in the dark hours of human experience.
God miraculously provides for His people in times of desperate need.
"It happened, that, when St. Dominick was residing with forty of his friars in the Convent of St. Sabina at Rome, the brothers who had been sent to beg for provisions had returned with a very small quantity of bread, and they knew not what they should do; for night was at hand, and they had not eaten all day. Then St. Dominick ordered that they should seat themselves in the refectory; and, taking his place at the head of the table, he pronounced the usual blessing. And, behold! two beautiful youths, clad in white and shining garments, appeared amongst them; one carried a basket of bread, and the other a pitcher of wine, which they distributed to the brethren: then they disappeared; and no one knew how they had come in, nor how they had gone out. And the brethren sat in amazement; but St. Dominick stretched forth his hand, and said calmly, 'My children, eat what God hath sent you;' and it was truly celestial food, such as they had never tasted before nor since."
God's providence is demonstrated through sustaining the universe and miraculous protection.
On the 5th of August, 1530, an awful crisis for the Reformation, when the firmest seemed to swerve, and the boldest to tremble, Luther thus wrote to Chancellor Bench: "I have recently witnessed two miracles. This is the first: As I was at my window, I saw the stars and the sky, and that vast and glorious firmament in which the Lord has placed them. I could nowhere discover the columns on which the Master has supported his immense vault; and yet the heavens did not fall. And here is the second: I beheld thick clouds hanging above us like a vast sea. I could neither perceive the ground on which they reposed, nor cords by which they were suspended; and yet they did not fall upon us, but saluted us rapidly, and fled away." Bowes.
God's providential order is hidden from us but perfectly clear to Him.
I looked upon the wrong or back side of a piece of arras (or tapestry): it seemed to me as a continued nonsense. There was neither head nor foot therein, confusion itself had as much method in it, — a company of thorns and threads, with many pieces and patches of several sorts, sizes, and colors; all which signified nothing to my understanding. But then, looking on the reverse, or right side thereof, all put together did spell excellent proportions, and figures of men and cities; so that, indeed, it was a history, not wrote with a pen, but wrought with a needle. If men look upon some of God's providential dealings with a mere eye of reason, they will hardly find any sense therein, such their muddle and disorder. But, alas! the wrong side is objected to our eyes, while the right side is presented to the high God of heaven, who knoweth that an admirable order doth result out of this confusion: and what is presented to him at present may, hereafter, be so showed to us as to convince our judgments in the truth thereof. T. Fuller.
God providentially provides in unexpected ways to meet urgent needs.
Rochelle was relieved by a shoal of fish, that came into the harbor when they were ready to perish with hunger, — a thing unknown before or after. Mr. Dodd, one night, was strongly impressed to visit a neighbor, whom he met with a halter in his pocket, just going to hang himself. Dr.
Tate and his wife flying with a sucking child, which was just ready to expire, the mother, going to rest it upon a rock, put her hand upon a bottle of warm milk, by which it was preserved. A good woman, being driven to a great extremity, all supplies falling, turning some things in a chest, unexpectedly lighted upon a piece of gold, which supplied her present wants, till God opened another door of supply.
Providence guides but does not replace our personal responsibility to act.
You may say, "I wish to send this ball so as to kill the lion crouching yonder, ready to spring upon me. My wishes are all right; and I hope Providence will direct the ball." Providence won't. You must do it; and, if you do not, you are a dead man. Beecher.
God's providence surrounds and sustains us like an all-encompassing hand.
Look above you, and, in the overarching firmament, read the truth of an all-pervading Providence. Your sky is God's outspread hand, and the glittering stars the jewels on the fingers of the Almighty. Do you not see that his hand closes round you on all sides? and that you cannot go where universal love shines not?
— Rev. H. Gill
