Today was the first day of school here at the old Crowe homestead. It went really well, and I already feel smarter! The class that started us out this morning was probably the perfect class to start off any school year with - Systematic Theology. In this class, which Dad teaches, we're going through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, a great book which I'm learning a lot from. This morning's topic was God's providence.
God's providence means simply that God is the ultimate controller and causer of all events. He governs and preserves everything. Whatever happens, He has willed it to happen. God knew and predestined that I would write this blog post. God knew that I would go out shopping on my birthday. He knew that we'd start off the first day of school with Systematic Theology.
In this morning's lesson, we looked at a few verses that outline God's providence and what it means. I wanted to share them with you. (Hint: the "he" in these verses is Christ.)
"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17
"For in him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28
"You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you." Nehemiah 9:6
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." Ephesians 1:11
"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:13
So, as another school year begins and we prepare to get back to work, let's reflect on God's providence. Let's remember this year (and always!) that God is in control. What He wills to happen will happen. We must simply trust Him and do our best for Him (Colossians 3:23).