Preserving Hope: Ordinary v. Extraordinary

Posted by Will Stern on August 20, 2023

Christians often discuss the concept of Providence. “The Westminster Shorter Catechism,” a concise summary of Christian doctrine, states, "God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing of all his creatures, and all their actions."

In simpler terms, Providence is what distinguishes Christianity from Deism. Deism suggests that God is like a clockmaker who initially set the universe in motion but remains uninvolved in daily events. Christianity, on the other hand, asserts that God not only created the world but also continues to sustain it through His providence. He's intricately engaged in every aspect of life, directing all things for His glory.

Theologians draw a useful distinction between two types of Providence: ordinary and extraordinary.

Ordinary Providence describes God's involvement in the world through everyday events and circumstances. For instance, consider the "ordinary providences" that guided you, as a believer, to profess faith in Christ. Someone introduced you to Jesus, you stumbled upon a book or tract, or you attended a church gathering. These events are part of God's ordinary yet glorious providence, directing your path so you could place your trust in Him. Several Bible passages highlight this concept:

Proverbs 16:9: "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."
Proverbs 20:24: "A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way?"
Jeremiah 10:23: "I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps."

However, theologians also discuss extraordinary Providence, often referred to as a miracle. As the creator of the universe, God established the laws of nature. Yet, He isn't constrained by these laws when carrying out His purposes. The Westminster Confession of Faith eloquently states that "God, in his ordinary providence, maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at his pleasure." This means God might employ a doctor to facilitate healing (ordinary Providence), or He might directly heal (extraordinary Providence).

As New Testament believers, while we shouldn't anticipate extraordinary Providence daily, we've already experienced God's extraordinary Providence, whether we recognize it or not. According to the Bible, we're all spiritually dead by nature (Ephesians 2). Thus, a spiritual resurrection is required to bring us from spiritual death to spiritual life—a phenomenon theologians call regeneration or the new birth. In 1 Peter 1:3, the apostle states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Being born again constitutes a spiritual miracle. God transitions you from spiritual death to spiritual life, enabling you to hear the gospel and respond, guided by His ordinary Providence. If you've never placed your trust in Christ, you can pray for this spiritual miracle, this extraordinary Providence, to take root in your heart. Such a prayer signals that God is already at work in your heart. Consider the ordinary Providence that led you to learn about Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, and then contemplate the extraordinary Providence that grants you the ability to understand. Ultimately, all glory goes to God.

About Will Stern

Originally from Colorado, Will Stern is the pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Garnet Valley. He majored in violin performance for his undergrad and taught violin for a number of years before being called into ministry. He studied theology at Duke University and Westminster Theological Seminary.