Flat tires and God's Providence

The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the LORD.- Proverbs 16:33

I have been driving for ten years and before coming to Africa I had only one flat tire. Since, being in Africa for three months I have had "THREE" flat tires. That's right, THREE! It is heartbreaking to be leaving the house, keys in hand, look down and see a flat tire. Having a flat tire in Nalerigu is a lot like having a flat tire in America, you have to change it and than drive it up to the nearest man who fixes tires and have him patch it. It's easy and inexpensive but it takes time. And just like in America when the person pulls the nail out of the tire, it's never a big nail but ALWAYS a small nail. The day after I have a flat tire, when I go out in the town I always look down in order to see if I can see any nails or objects which could cause a flat. I see tons of objects lying in the streets waiting for a car to drive over them. Eventually, I see so many potential objects that I give up, realizing that I am going to have to trust God to guide and direct my tires. If it wasn't for God protecting my tires, I would have a flat everyday instead of just once a month. I'm learning to trust in God's providence.

The author of Proverbs is thinking about God's providence when he pens Proverbs 16:33. Proverbs 16:33 is not a promotion of gambling but rather the lot or dice is the smallest thing the author could think of. The author is saying that if God is in control of such a minor event as throwing dice than He is in control over everything. If God is in control over dice than He's in control over small nails lying in the road and whether or not they puncture my tires. 

If God's in control of thrown dice, and if He's in control over small nails, than He's in control over the bigger aspects of our lives. He's in control over finances. He's in control over governments. He's in control of the economy. He's in control over schools. He's in control over weather. He's in control over sickness and disease. He's in control over marriages. He's in control over children. He's in control over atomic particles. He's in control over families. He's in control over radical Muslim leaders. He's in control over the Universe. He's in control over Earth rotating on it's axis. He's in control over the tide coming in and out. He's in control over tyrannical leaders. He's in control over everything. There's not one square inch on planet Earth in which the living Savior does not say, "MINE". 

In conclusion, if God is in control over thrown dice and small nails in the road than He's in control of it all. God can be trusted with everything. Surrender your worries to Him, call out to Him, cast your burdens on Him for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.