Providence: Closed Doors, Open Doors, and the Hand You Cannot See
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." — Proverbs 16:9 God’s guidance is not only inward. He rules weather, kings, delays, illnesses, unexpected meetings, and the failure of plans we thought were wise. This is providence: His almighty power whereby He upholds and governs all things. Joseph could not see the purpose of the pit or the prison. Years later he said, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good… to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). The Lord was directing steps Joseph did not choose. That does not make the brothers innocent. It means their sin could not outrun the purpose of God. Paul intended Asia and Bithynia. The Spirit suffered them not. Then came Macedonia, and the gospel entered Europe (Acts 16:6–10). Closed doors are not always the devil. Sometimes they are mercy. An open door is not always the Lord. Sometimes it is bait. First Corinthians 16:9 shows Paul recognizing a great door and many adversaries. Oppor...