by Siena Hoefling
Providence. Our modern day has lost this beautiful word.
Webster's 1828 dictionary explains its deepest meaning: "He that acknowledges a creation and denies a providence, involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence."
By the insight of Noah Webster, we should understand that the Creator, God, is also the Provider. We should see that because the Lord God made us and loves us, then He has not left us alone, but has additionally provided a way for us to have our needs met.
Popular opinion might urge that our choices in life be based in worldly calculations, guided by human presumptions and desires. Under this outside pressure, believers in God may be tempted to abandon Him in the name of providing for family. Or even worse, to question whether His decision to create a new human being includes no intended providence for that child.
I think, with Noah Webster, the contradiction is clear, and the intent of God for us unmistakable.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart," the scripture says. "And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The world is awash in money. Plenty of folks treat pursuing material things as more important than raising a family or doing anything else. But since the Lord is the provider of resources, all things are dependent upon Him. At any instant, He can provide, or take away. We have to trust His all-knowing perspective in earthly things, especially when it comes to matters that determine a family and its intended purpose. As we go through life, we all innately know, we would be foolish to sacrifice eternal joy for the temporary comforts of this world.
I am blessed to have married someone who did not say, "No, no, no. No more kids until we have money." I am also pleased that the Lord has enabled us, little by little, day by day, to survive while doing the political work that we hope will make some difference in this world. We were brought together in the first place for that reason, to improve the odds that future generations will live in liberty—the birthright of every American, and the duty of everyone to preserve. Sacrifice in worldly things has been a price to pay for the privilege of our work, and we have had to rely on the help of others. But so long as we have trusted the Lord, each experience has been a blessing. And the greatest blessing of all is, each day we are gifted with the constant presence of five little children, the very reason we continue our fight to restore republican governance and uphold the Constitution.
Our life together has been a blessed experiment in faith. A miracle in and of itself.
When we married eight years ago, we decided to trust in the Lord, and see what He would do. The answer thus far is, quite a bit. He has provided for us every step of the way. I never cease to be amazed.
Just today, we accepted the sad truth that our family van was inoperable. A little faith and an hour later, we found a replacement. Just like that. The beauty is, it's a no-frills van, no more and no less than we needed. A human being could not have planned better.
God is good. Trust Him. He does provide.
For more lessons from Noah Webster, a major contributor to the education of generations of Americans, please find the 1828 dictionary at http://1828.mshaffer.com/
Siena Hoefling is the wife of Tom Hoefling, 2014 Republican candidate for Iowa Governor.
Providence. Our modern day has lost this beautiful word.
Webster's 1828 dictionary explains its deepest meaning: "He that acknowledges a creation and denies a providence, involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence."
By the insight of Noah Webster, we should understand that the Creator, God, is also the Provider. We should see that because the Lord God made us and loves us, then He has not left us alone, but has additionally provided a way for us to have our needs met.
Popular opinion might urge that our choices in life be based in worldly calculations, guided by human presumptions and desires. Under this outside pressure, believers in God may be tempted to abandon Him in the name of providing for family. Or even worse, to question whether His decision to create a new human being includes no intended providence for that child.
I think, with Noah Webster, the contradiction is clear, and the intent of God for us unmistakable.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart," the scripture says. "And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The world is awash in money. Plenty of folks treat pursuing material things as more important than raising a family or doing anything else. But since the Lord is the provider of resources, all things are dependent upon Him. At any instant, He can provide, or take away. We have to trust His all-knowing perspective in earthly things, especially when it comes to matters that determine a family and its intended purpose. As we go through life, we all innately know, we would be foolish to sacrifice eternal joy for the temporary comforts of this world.
I am blessed to have married someone who did not say, "No, no, no. No more kids until we have money." I am also pleased that the Lord has enabled us, little by little, day by day, to survive while doing the political work that we hope will make some difference in this world. We were brought together in the first place for that reason, to improve the odds that future generations will live in liberty—the birthright of every American, and the duty of everyone to preserve. Sacrifice in worldly things has been a price to pay for the privilege of our work, and we have had to rely on the help of others. But so long as we have trusted the Lord, each experience has been a blessing. And the greatest blessing of all is, each day we are gifted with the constant presence of five little children, the very reason we continue our fight to restore republican governance and uphold the Constitution.
Our life together has been a blessed experiment in faith. A miracle in and of itself.
When we married eight years ago, we decided to trust in the Lord, and see what He would do. The answer thus far is, quite a bit. He has provided for us every step of the way. I never cease to be amazed.
Just today, we accepted the sad truth that our family van was inoperable. A little faith and an hour later, we found a replacement. Just like that. The beauty is, it's a no-frills van, no more and no less than we needed. A human being could not have planned better.
God is good. Trust Him. He does provide.
For more lessons from Noah Webster, a major contributor to the education of generations of Americans, please find the 1828 dictionary at http://1828.mshaffer.com/
Siena Hoefling is the wife of Tom Hoefling, 2014 Republican candidate for Iowa Governor.
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