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(Proverbs 16:9) "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
This series explores how God speaks to us. Part 21: PROVIDENCE — God’s Care/ Governance
God’s providence is the idea that God is attentive to the world and steering it toward a good purpose. It doesn’t mean God controls every tiny detail like a puppet master, but that God cares for creation, keeps it going, and can work through people, events, and even our mistakes to bring about meaning.
TESTIMONY: We believed we had been called to leave everything behind and move 225 miles south to a Bible college. It was November 1995, and the housing market in the north was a disaster. We had three children — eight, seven, and three — and the practical realities of moving so far away from family and friends sat heavily on my mind. Although I was well-qualified, I’d been out of work for a year, and my debts were mounting.
The family was quietly excited; I felt unsettled, preoccupied with logistics and the fear of the unknown.
“Tracey, there doesn’t seem much point in trying to sell before Christmas. Let’s start properly in January,” I suggested, trying to be sensible.
“OK,” she replied, “but college starts in the Spring, so let’s ask the Lord what He wants us to do.”
She prayed, and I listened with my scepticism wrapped tightly around my heart. When she finished, I offered a reluctant “Amen.” In that moment, I thought I had chosen caution over faith.
A week later, early on a Saturday morning just before Christmas, the doorbell woke us. I opened the door in my dressing gown, the kitchen still smelling horribly of burnt toast, to find a very pregnant woman I’d never met standing on our doorstep. She pointed to a packed car across the road and said softly, “Someone from your Wednesday fellowship told us you’re selling your house and hope to move south...”
I remember my surprise as if it were a physical presence. She continued, humbly explaining that they had been let down at the last minute on a house nearby and had long admired ours. “... could we come in and view the house?” she asked.
They accepted our price without argument and asked only one thing: could we be moved out by the end of January, when her baby would be due. In an instant, our cautious plan became urgent.
We moved our belongings into a vast attic at a friend’s house. I look back now and see how quietly providence was working through ordinary moments — a call, a prayer, a knock at the door, strangers in need — the Lord guiding us forward when my own faith felt thin. All I can say is, thank You, Lord!
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Let’s pray, “Heavenly Father, I bring my plans and hopes before You. Help me to plan with Your Wisdom, and teach me to trust Your leading even when the path changes. Shape my steps so they reflect Your will, not merely my preferences. Give me courage to follow where You guide and peace when plans must shift. May my heart remain open to Your direction, and may my life bring praise to Your name." Amen!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)