We should look away from all "second causes" and fix our eyes upon Him who is above all and who commands all for His people's good.
Matters, small and great alike, are under His control, and are made to do duty in service for the spiritual advantage of His saints.
Any one or all of these may serve His purpose and "work His wondrous will," for His glory and for the good of His own.
Notably is this truth seen in the case of Jonah. Sky and earth and sea are laid under tribute by the All Mighty Creator. "A great wind" is "sent out." "A great fish" is "prepared" and directed in its course. A gourd is made to grow and overshadow the head of the prophet. A worm is formed to smite the gourd so that it withers. Finally, a vehement east wind and the sun in its strength overcome him so that he faints and wishes to die.
Yes! "All things serve His might." God can and does employ, at times, the most unlikely instruments to accomplish His pleasure.
"He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves," and, "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." "These are the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep." Rivers are turned into a wilderness, and dry land into water springs, at His word, while the poor are set on high from affliction, and families are made by Him "like a flock."
"Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord." Psa. 107:24-4324These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. 25For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. 27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. 28Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 32Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. 33He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; 34A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. 35He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. 36And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; 37And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. 38He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. 39Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. 40He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. 41Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. 42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. 43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. (Psalm 107:24‑43).
Oh, for this wisdom and this observation in all the dealings of our gracious Lord, with men generally and with ourselves particularly!
The coming day will declare that things which seemed most contrary were made to operate on our behalf, all through the intricate maze of our life. Then shall praise be His eternally.
"When Thy blood-bought bride, Lord Jesus,
Is complete:
When each soul is safely landed
At Thy feet:
What a story, in the glory,
She'll repeat."