When you look back on your life, do you see events that seemed very natural at the time, but now you realize a supernatural thread was running through them? You know, the kind of things that make you say, "Wow!" That's called providence, and it's different from the miraculous.

The providence of God is present in this chapter. We also see it in the Old Testament book of Esther, which is entirely devoted to this idea of God's providence. It teaches no doctrine, and the name of God isn't even mentioned, but you can see God working behind the scenes.

When God works miraculously, He contravenes natural law and superimposes His own law, as with the miracle of walking on water. When God moves in providence, it's different. Things happen naturally, and people do things normally. But behind the scenes, God is weaving natural events into a supernatural drama. His will is being enacted in the natural world.

We often pray for miracles. That's good. Keep praying for them. But be on the lookout for providence.

Sometimes, providence isn't apparent. But then one day, you might just realize that what seemed like a normal happening wasn't. Like the time I just happened to go to a potluck, where I met a beautiful girl named Lenya. She eventually became my wife. Or when the owner of the church building we were leasing wanted to double the rent. It just so happened that our present building became available at the same time.

When Paul got to Jerusalem (see Acts 23), it seemed like everything was against him. A riot broke out in the temple, and he was arrested. And when he gave his testimony, another riot broke out; and then another riot arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul went back to prison, and after two days he was getting very discouraged.

The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome" (v. 11). Whatever misgivings Paul might have had, the Lord told him it was His providence at work.

Paul was locked up in the very prison that held Peter in Acts 12. Peter had been released when an angel opened the door. But that wasn't going to happen for Paul. Sometimes the Lord delivers, and that's awesome. Sometimes the Lord gives you the power to endure as a prisoner, and that's awesome. You might say, "Oh no, God's will would be that Paul is free like Peter." No, it wasn't. God's will for Paul was that he stay a prisoner the rest of his life.

So the door miraculously swung open for Peter and providentially stayed shut for Paul. And God was moving in both cases. That's a great lesson, isn't it? When you say, "God, give me a miracle," what if He says no? Then watch for His providence.

Let me offer you a word of encouragement. Just as Jesus stood with Paul and said, "Cheer up. Take heart," I think He would say the same to you.

He wants you to "[cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). He's your rock. He's your defense. Whatever you're struggling with, hear the Lord saying, "I'm here. I'm with you. I'm going to providentially guide and direct you. Cheer up. Wait for it and see what I will do."

God is going to get us where He wants us to be—where we need to be. He'll move us in the right direction. He will pick up the arms that have fallen down, strengthen the knees that are wobbling, and put strength in our backs once again.