Enough and to Spare: The Father's Providence

Providence is God’s continual care and sovereign control over all things—His unseen hand weaving every detail, both good and bad, for His purpose and our good. While the father isn’t obviously active in this portion of the story—and isn’t even mentioned until verse 17, when the wayward son’s heart begins to change—his quiet presence is felt throughout. God often allows lack to reveal longing and emptiness to expose our deepest need. Sometimes He lets us come to the end of ourselves so that we finally look up to Him. It’s a beautiful reminder of divine providence—God working behind the scenes, even in the far country.