A little over four years ago, when Maddox was born, Kristin and I were sitting in the NICU at Baptist Hospital when a friend came to visit. We had just learned that our newly born daughter had suffered a hemorrhage in her brain and was going to require surgery. Our neatly wrapped lives were coming undone.

In the midst of our shock and grief, our friend - who was a minister- tried to bring us comfort by telling us that God had nothing to do with what was happening to our daughter. He assured us that God came into the world to redeem the world and that He had nothing to do with bad things that happen to His people.

Like the three foolish friends who tried to comfort Job in his distress, this friend showed a lack of wisdom and would have done better simply by keeping quiet.

What he ended up doing was telling us that God was not sovereign. That God was was not in control of the big things that come our way during this life, much less the little things. And that the stories in the Bible of God's ever-guiding hand, were for the Saints of old and not for us.

Needless to say, the fear we were feeling at that time became much bigger, as the God we sought was being described as much smaller.

And this is what happens when a generation becomes illiterate of the beautiful doctrine of the Providence of God.

They try to replace God by becoming the source of all comfort and control themselves. And, they describe Him as some old sage who spoke the world into creation, but now can't keep-up with how fast it's spinning. What a tragedy.

The 18th century preacher, John Flavel, wrote a wonderful book called, The Mystery of Providence. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this book. It has been an absolute breath of fresh air to a hungry soul who wants to be reminded that God is indeed in control - and He is working all things in our lives (big and small) for His glory and our good.

The Puritans used to say that Providence is a soft pillow for anxious heads. Amen to that. So what happens when difficulties come your way? Strains in your marriage? Your kids have struggles and you lose your job? Do you believe that God is still sovereign in your life?

What about cancer? What happens when God's path leads you down difficult roads that few understand? What about old dreams that appear may never happen? Do you believe that God is sovereign? In everything?

If you've ever had questions like this - I want you to know: The answer is a resounding YES.

If you need a boost of assurance that God has hemmed you in and you are right where He wants you, click over to Amazon and order Flavel's book and be encouraged.

We have a wonderful Savior who rules and controls everything for His glory and our good. And it's especially in the difficult times that this gem becomes clear. If this is you, the Mystery of Providence will convince you that you are in God's keeping. Amen!