God’s Provision In Circumstance
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Just when we think we have everything planned out, something happens that throws us for a loop. Maybe it’s a career change, a health issue, unexpected family news, or a sudden hardship. In these moments, we often wonder: “Why is this happening to me? Where is God in all this?” Drawing wisdom from the sermon “God’s Providence in Circumstances,” let’s explore what it means to trust in God’s providence through every chapter of our lives—success, faithfulness, and even injustice.
Trusting in God’s Providence Amid Life’s Detours
Charlie Wallace begins his sermon with a deeply personal story from May 2018. At 39, settled with three children and the next 20 years envisioned, he and his wife were shocked to discover they were expecting a fourth child. The news was joyous but also disorienting. Plans had to change. Fears and questions about energy, fairness to their other kids, and their future surfaced. This honest reaction mirrors the reality for many of us: sometimes God changes our story without warning, and it takes time to trust that His purposes are at work.
Whether you’re basking in the glow of answered prayers or wrestling with “unplanned” moments, God’s providence is active. Charlie’s story highlights that while some things are outside of our control, all are within God’s loving sovereignty. Often, the blessings and challenges of life are both tools God uses to shape us, provide for us, and equip us for things we could not have imagined.
God’s Providence in Our Success
It’s easy to sense God’s presence when we’re suffering—we look for comfort, hope, and answers. But do we also recognize Him in our successes? In Genesis 39, Joseph had been sold into slavery but soon found himself prospering in Potiphar’s house. The Bible says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (Genesis 39:2). Even Joseph’s unbelieving master noticed the Lord’s favor in Joseph’s life.
We often attribute our hard work to our achievements, but Scripture reminds us that God is the one who enables success. Our talents, opportunities, and even our ability to work hard all come from Him. As Charlie points out, “We’re quick to take credit when things go well, but have you ever thought that things are going well not because of anything you’ve done? God’s also involved in our success.”
How Does God Work Through Our Success?
Through our faithfulness: Success isn’t measured by worldly standards but by faithfulness to what God has entrusted to us. As Colossians 3:23 puts it, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” When we serve God with what we have, trusting Him for the results, He honors that.
Through our difficulties: Sometimes, seasons of success are forged in hardship. Psalm 27:14 exhorts us, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.” Our resilience is built in times of waiting and struggling, not just in moments of triumph.
Through our experiences: Challenges and victories alike shape our character. James 1:2-4 teaches, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds… for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Every circumstance—good or bad—prepares us for what God has next.
God’s Providence in Faithfulness—Even in Temptation
Joseph’s story doesn’t stop with success. His integrity is tested when Potiphar’s wife tries—again and again—to seduce him. Joseph consistently chooses faithfulness to God and to his master, despite the cost. He refuses her advances, declaring, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Remaining faithful is often hardest when no one else is looking, or when we think compromise might offer relief or reward. Joseph’s story is proof that following God can sometimes lead to short-term pain or misunderstanding. Faithfulness doesn’t always guarantee immediate comfort, but God sees and honors every act of obedience.
God’s Providence in Injustice
Despite his integrity, Joseph finds himself falsely accused and imprisoned. It’s here—at rock bottom—that many of us might be tempted to despair. Yet Genesis 39:21 provides one of the most profound affirmations in Scripture: "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love…”
Even in unfair circumstances, God’s providence is working. Joseph could have grown bitter, but instead, he continues to serve faithfully, and God grants him favor in prison. The skills, experiences, and character formed during these trials prepare Joseph for even greater influence in the future.
How Should We Respond to Injustice?
Remember God has not abandoned you: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). God’s presence stays with us, even in the darkest places.
Keep being faithful: Don’t let setbacks or the injustice of others change your commitment to doing right. Joseph continued to serve and lead, no matter where God placed him.
Seek God’s purpose in your pain: Every pit and every prison can become a mission field. The opportunities to serve, learn, and bless others are often greater in adversity than in comfort.
Don’t lose hope: Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” The story isn’t over, and our waiting is never wasted.
God is Working—In Every Circumstance
From unexpected blessings to painful injustices, the story of Joseph and the wisdom shared in Charlie Wallace’s sermon affirm a vital truth: God’s providence is always at work. Our calling is not to map out every detail of our lives, but to faithfully follow where God leads, trust that He is using every situation for our good and His glory, and give Him credit for every blessing and strength for every hardship.
If you’re navigating unexpected circumstances today, know that God has not abandoned you. He’s weaving a bigger story than you can see—a story that may change not only your life but the lives of many through your faithfulness.
May we echo the prayer at the end of Charlie’s message: “Lord, help us see how you are active and working in every circumstance. Whether we are in the palace or the prison, let us trust your providence, give you credit for our success, rely on you in our suffering, and never lose hope.”
