Have you ever been in a situation where you felt confused and out of place, and then it turned out that you were in just the right place at the right time? Have you ever been mistreated and felt everything was going wrong, only to have it all turn out for the best? Suddenly things make sense, and you say, "That didn't just happen. It was meant to be."

Everything that happens is part of a plan. This is true of those moments when things click in a special way, and it's true at every other moment as well. Everything that happens, happens for a purpose.

Christians have a word for this: providence. Providence means that at every moment God's power upholds heaven and earth and gives life to each creature, even the smallest bird. Providence means that God directs every detail, including each hair on every head. Providence means that nothing, whether good or bad, can happen to us apart from God's plan. "All things come to us not by chance but from his fatherly hand" (Heidelberg Catechism). There is no such thing as luck or coincidence--only providence.

So don't be afraid. Trust your heavenly Father. At times his plan may pain you or puzzle you, but he is always in charge. The workings of his plan are often secret, but the final outcome is no secret. The outcome is the ultimate good of God's people: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).

PRAYER--Father, forgive our worrying. Make us patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and confident that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ. Amen.