Day 103

Of Divine Providence

Chapter 5, Paragraph 7.

“As the Providence of God doth in general reach to all Creatures, so after a most special manner it taketh care of his Church, and disposeth of all things to the good thereof.“

Scripture Lookup

1 Timothy 4:10

Amos 9:8,9

Isaiah 43:3-5

Reflection

God upholds, directs, disposes and governs all creatures and things. But in a special way He takes care of His church. The carrying out of all things is for the good of the church!

It is not a small thing to belong to the people of God. For since you are a member of the Church, all of Providence is being dispensed for your good! So when God works all things together for the good of those that love Him, that is the special care He takes with you. Whether it be a trial or a delight, both are blessings from Him.

Sometimes it does not seem like God is taking special care of His church. Strife and conflict within a local church, members who one day stop attending and vanish, and persecution from the world discourage and tempt us to doubt His word. Yet Jesus said, “…upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18) We must remember that He does keep His Church and not lose heart.

What a wonderful Providence of God, that takes care of those that are His in an unique manner, that all should be for our good. What a merciful and infinitely wise God, that gives us such treatment though we do not deserve it. What a powerful God, who orchestrates all that comes to pass and preserves His Church. Praise be to Him!

Questions to Consider

• Is it easy or difficult for you to see the special manner in which God takes care of His church?