Providence

“With a fatherly kindness God watches over and directs the concerns of the poorest, most obscure, and defenseless of his people, and directs them in such a manner as to promote their highest good”

 Do you see the hand of God in your life? ​​​​ The word happenstance refers to an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental. ​​ It is closely related to the idea of something being a coincidence. ​​ I don’t believe anything is a coincidence since the Bible says God has purposed everything according to His will. ​​ He is in control of all things, knows all things and nothing is beyond God’s​​ scrutiny​​ and dominion. ​​ Read​​ Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is [like] channels of water in the hand of the LORD;​​ He turns it wherever He wishes”. ​​​​ God’s providence​​ is quite the opposite of accidental. ​​ It is an event or circumstance that may look like coincidence but has been arranged all along by Him. ​​ It is God’s care exercised for His creation.

 I am studying the book of Ruth at this moment. ​​​​ Ruth 2:3, turned my eyes toward thinking upon God’s divine direction in my life. ​​ As I look back I am truly amazed and thankful at the way each segment has been placed just so. ​​ Even the negative – or what I thought was negative – has been purposely used by God to​​ show me​​ Himself​​ and to grow me​​ in trust and understanding. ​​ My heart is full of praise and adoration for the One true God, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

 Ruth 2:3​​ reads,​​ “So she departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech”.

 God’s​​ hand of care is written all over this! ​​ Consider how blessed we are to have this encouraging picture​​ of God working in the lives of those whom He has called. ​​ Even in dire circumstances which are unforeseen, God has an incredible plan. ​​ 

 Our text​​ says Ruth happened upon a field belonging to Boaz. ​​ This word ‘happened’ means something met with an accident or fortune, something befallen or by chance. ​​ Was this an accident or providence?​​ Family Bible Notes makes this comment, “With a fatherly kindness God watches over and directs the concerns of the poorest, most obscure, and defenseless of his people, and directs them in such a manner as to promote their highest good”. Matthew Poole’s Commentary says, “It was indeed a chance in reference to second causes, but ordered and designed by God’s providence”. God uses the circumstances in our lives to bring Himself glory. ​​ 

 If you are God’s child, you will be able to see His hand directing your life in all areas. ​​ Look back at seemingly unimportant events or decisions and praise God for how He has turned them for your blessing. ​​​​ Be excited for His guidance and direction as He leads you on a path that will bring growth in your life and glory to Himself. ​​​​ 

Focus​​ Heavenward, Sharyn.

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.