Providence 2021

Written by Ruth Johnstone

Fires floods, planes shot out of the sky and …

Lockdown

A plague swept across our globe causing fear, isolation, panic, sickness, and death.

We washed our hands, cleaned our groceries, wore our masks, kept our distance and stayed away from loved ones and friends. Stores ran out of toilet paper and sanitizers due to panic buying.

Out of the ashes of all this turmoil a new flora began to emerge. Heavily polluted cities began to see blue sky and hear birds sing for the first time. Carbon dioxide emissions were at an all-time low.  People began to slow down spending more time with their families. Bicycles, puzzles, board games sales were at an all-time high. Garbage pick-up in the Parks and Walking Trails in Edmonton had to increase from one day a week to three days. People, families, couples, enjoying God’s creation.

People came out of the woodwork helping other people. Church buildings closed but the church stayed opened!

People all over the world slowed down, looked at their neighbour in a new way, sang from their balconies and marched in front of hospitals to encourage our front-line workers.

It goes to show just how big we really are and how little control we really have.

We watched our neighbours to the south of us become more polarized and divided during the politicizing of the election. My heart went out to the thousands of sincere Christians who pilgrimaged to Washington to pray over their country. Some I saw prostrate on the ground as the shofar was sounding. I heard speakers telling these loyal followers that God has heard their cries and their man would lead their country for the next four years.

So, what about Providence?
Is God in control of all things and governing over all things? Does He “uphold all things by his powerful word”? Hebrews 1:3

Job said, after trying to convince God how good he was,

I know that you can do all things and that no plan of yours can be thwarted”. Job 42.2

I made known the end from the beginning from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned I will do.” Isaiah 46:10-11

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.” Psalms 33:10

The Lord does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all the depths.” Psalms 135:6

Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom of God. How unsearchable are His judgments and His path beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33

To have just a small glimpse of God’s all-encompassing control over all things will help us see everything as God’s design. It will help protect us from the effects of our culture, false teachings, and be less vulnerable to panic, the media and conspiracy theories.

“I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree

For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” Isaiah 55:8-9

May the all-knowing all powerful all sustaining providence and sovereignty of our God navigate us through 2021.