In our missionary work, a common word that often comes to mind is Providence. Since we are working in God’s field, we mention it quite often.
We know that to mention a word or a phrase and to truly live it are two different things. It is easy to say something, but truly understanding and integrating that word requires deeper knowledge, which in a way comes through experience.
When we turn to the Bible, we find instances where God instructs His people about providence. We can see in these passages that there is an element of our surrender and His fidelity. In fact, Scripture affirms that although we may have many plans, it is the Lord who establishes them (Proverbs 19:21).
Recently, I have been reflecting on how God’s providence in my life is closely connected to dependence. When I reach the point of fully depending on Him, which is actually surrendering my concerns to Him, God always responds. In other words, when I truly let go and trust in His providence, He provides in His perfect way and time.
This has been tangible in our new mission ventures, where I am assured that His mysterious hand has been at work in our projects in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and now in Pakistan.
