READ Genesis 24:10-21
You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit (Job 10:12).
I was hiking from the top of Madera Canyon outside of Tucson, Arizona down to a large picnic area. My right knee had been bothering me since my last hike in Pima Canyon. I was testing my knee to see how well it would do on another hike. The trail went gently downhill through a forest of live oaks trees, providing a lush canopy of shade and shelter from the bright sun. The green foliage made such a contrast to the desert floor far below. When I reached the parking lot at the picnic area, I realized I had hiked too far. My knee was bothering me. I didn’t know if my knee could withstand a long hike uphill back to my car at the top of the canyon. I had two other choices. I could walk up the road to the top of the canyon, which would be shorter than taking the trail, or I could hitch hike for a ride up the canyon.
As I stood in the parking lot contemplating what to do, I remembered the prayer of Abraham’s servant when he went to Nahor to find a wife for Isaac among Abraham’s relatives. The servant prayed that the girl who offered to water his camels without him asking would be the one God had appointed as Isaac’s wife. Rather than asking someone for a ride, I prayed like Abraham’s servant that someone would offer me a ride up the canyon. Within a few minutes three hikers return to their car. They turned to me and asked, “Do you need a ride?” I could hardly believe God answered my prayer so quickly.
Christians do not believe in luck, chance, or fate. All things, from the most trivial to the most important, are under God’s sovereign control. Providence is God’s benevolent care and guidance over the life of his children. As the psalmist said, “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand.” (Psalm 121:4-5). God constantly watches over you for your good even if you don’t always see the hand of God at work in your life. Look at the life of Joseph, how God’s providence was at work to save a multiple of people, including Joseph’s family (Genesis 50:20).
Prayer: Lord, I cast all my cares upon you, because you care for me.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
