Steve Farrar - Articles

God's Absolute Control

But the world keeps on existing and so do you.

So let's go with this definition for providence: "That which God creates He continually sustains and provides for, and nothing—great or small—is outside of His absolute control." He is the King and He has a plan. His sovereign plan for you and me and for the entire world will be worked out exactly according to His specifications.

When Joseph calmed his brothers' fears by asking them, "Am I in God's place?" he was looking backward over the events of his life. And when he looked backward over his life, he saw the sovereign providence of God that was directing his every step—even when he was kidnapped and sold into slavery.

When Joseph looked backward, he saw the perfect providential plan that had raised him to be co-king over Egypt. When he looked backward, he could see the remarkable organization of God's detailed plan for his life. God was in control of his life—even down to the tiniest of details.

—Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

God's Perfect Execution

The plans He has made are always executed perfectly. His plan is sure. It is not uncertain. In order for His plan to be executed and accomplished, He micromanages your life and the entire universe. He carries it all, sustains it all, and keeps it all going. And that can only be done if One is in absolute control. But He is in control, and that's why Job 23:14 states, "He performs what is appointed for me."

God's plan for your life is going to happen—on time and on schedule. John J. Murray sums it up well:

 The plan of God is perfect.
 The plan is exhaustive.
 The plan is secret. God hides it from me until it happens.
 I discover it day by day as it unfolds.

In essence, the doctrine of providence teaches that which God creates, He continually provides for and sustains—and that means you. He created you, and He will continually provide for you and sustain you—that's how He pulls off His plan in your life. Hebrews 1:3 declares that Christ "upholds all things by the word of His power." The English Standard Version, another excellent translation, states that Christ "upholds the universe by the word of his power."

—Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

God's Providence

So what about providence?
 
Providence is God's execution of His plan in your life and in the entire universe. Have you ever heard the saying "the devil is in the details"? That is absolutely incorrect.
 
God is in the details:

  Oh Lord, you are my God;
  I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
  For you have done wonderful things,
  Plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
  (Isa. 25:1 ESV)

Are these plans that God hurriedly drew up last night to fix something in your life that has gone wrong? Is God looking for some "Plan B" because "Plan A" didn't pan out for us? No. These are plans He purposed before he created the world. God hasn't been up all night—papers and maps spread out across the floor of heaven, amending His purposes to it our present set of circumstances. No, the plans He has for you are His original plans. Perfect plans that never need to be amended. Now that’s a Big God.

—Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.
Learn more at SteveFarrar.com