Editor’s Note: Author Ernie Baker was interviewed on FamilyLife Today on May 8-10, 2017, about his book Marry Wisely, Marry Well. On the final day he referred to the following quote by James C. Petty about the doctrine of providence. It is from the book, Step by Step: Divine Guidance for Ordinary Christians.

“The Bible teaches that (1) God does have one specific plan for your life and (2) the events and choices of your life irresistibly and sovereignly work that plan in every detail….and it has all your mistakes, blindnesses, and sins accounted for in advance. These truths are included in what is known as the doctrine of providence.  Without understanding providence, we will never be able to think clearly about God’s daily involvement with our lives. Much of the confusion about God’s guidance in Christian circles is caused by a lack of understanding of this historic doctrine.”

— James C. Petty