God's Providence by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 8, 1870

God's Providence.

By John Matteson

Ancient nations were superstitious. Modern nations are skeptical. The ancients believed that everything was ordered and overruled by the gods; wherefore they were diligent to seek counsel from their gods, and generally quite willing to make great sacrifices to secure their favor. But now there is a natural cause for everything, and God has nothing to do with it.

Yet we know that God is the first cause of everything that is good. And although man has rebelled against God, and yields obedience to the prince of darkness, yet “the Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all.” Ps. 103:19. Yea, even the great kings of earth have been made to acknowledge “that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.” Dan. 5:21. And although God does not directly interpose in everything that comes to pass, yet he overrules all, and has a special care for his children, in whose behalf he often has made, and does make, direct interposition. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Pet. 5:6, 7.

Why, then, does God suffer so many trials and fierce temptations to befall us? Why is the precious gold and silver thrown into the furnace and suffered to be melted? That the dross may be consumed. Character cannot be developed without being tested. Would we be loyal citizens in the kingdom of God? Then we must submit to the fiery ordeal. Our heart has so long been in sympathy with rebellion that it is almost incurable. Wherefore it takes many a bitter drink to bring about a healthy condition.

But when I am often overcome—when I fall, what shall I do? Come to your Saviour again. Do not stay away from God. Confess your sins before him, and strive the more earnestly to watch and pray. “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Ps. 27:14. Try, try again. You can but die if you try; but if you give up, you will surely die. It is a great work to subdue every evil trait of our character. It is not easily done in a day. If I can only do it in my lifetime, then I shall be eternally happy. Yet there is great need of working fast. Procrastination has ruined millions. I know not whether my race must close within a year, or a month, or a week. Let us then trust in God, yet tremble in view of the awful and eternal consequences which are depending on our present course of action. And remember that it is not a single deep impression, or single occasion of great solemnity, or some isolated great action or sacrifice, which fit us for the kingdom of Heaven; but it is “patient continuance in well-doing.”

Little acts of kindness, little words of love. In fact, it is to do our little duties every day faithfully, in the fear of God, with an eye single to his glory.

When we strive to do this, then God will have a special care for us. Consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? Luke 12:24.

The special displeasure of God toward those who disregard his word and neglect his cause, is also often manifested in his providence, though but few observe it. “I have withholden the rain from you, . . . and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered; . . . yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.” “I have smitten you with blasting and mildew; when your gardens and your vineyards . . . increased, the palmerworm devoured them; yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.” Amos 4:7–9. “God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” Hab. 13:8. Let us then acknowledge his hand in all this, and return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon us; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isa. 65:7.

JOHN MATTESON.