Trusting Providence

I think that sometimes we get so wrapped up in planning our lives that we forget this verse in the second chapter of Philippians:

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Important to note that the verse says to work "out" your salvation and not work "for" it. I think that much of the scriptures speak to this idea of God working with us and providentially directing our lives. Consider these two verses from Proverbs:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (16:9)

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (19:21)
This verse in the eighth chapter of Romans tells us a bit about His purpose in doing so:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Always good to remember that His working in our lives has a purpose.. good to know that His will and His leadership all are designed to conform us into the likeness of Jesus.

So when life doesn't seem to make sense or when times are hard it is good to know that we can trust God to providentially mold us and help us to manifest His divine character.. even in extremely negatives situations. He is the proverbial potter and we are the clay. Please join me in asking Him to mold us for His purposes and His glory.

4 comments:

  1. The potter - clay image is one of my favorite as I think of my Lord and I. My prayer is always to be as clay in His hands where I can be molded, rather than as granite that required His
    chisel!!!
    Susan

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  2. And clay goes through the fire to make it strong and durable... thanks

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  3. Good stuff Bob! Sometimes I act like I have everything all figured out...I say, "This is exactly how God's going to work in my life...this is the 'story' He has for me." Then...when things don't go exactly how I thought they would, I get confused. But I think God is saying, "For cryin' out loud...why don't you just let ME write your story?!" He's right. He's probably a better story-writer than I am anyway. ;)

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  4. Agree Brigitte! God is a great writer.. He should have a blog :)

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