All God's providential disposition of things in the world has reference to what He has in mind for His saints; they are His portion, the lot of His inheritance. Nations rise or fall, kingdoms expand or diminish, but the Hand behind the scenes is moving everything with regard to those who are "called according to His purpose." So that, in truth, "all things" are ordered, and made to work together, for their good. How small is man! How great is God! Vast political movements going on, mighty changes being effected, the whole world having its very constitution refashioned, man fancying that he is doing it all! But God, the mighty, unseen Disposer of all, assigning, separating and setting bounds with reference to His present or future designs concerning His people, whether heavenly or earthly! Why should Claudius order all the Jews to leave Rome? It was, apparently, an arbitrary act of imperial power; but it was designed, under God's hand, to bring two persons to Corinth just in time to receive Paul, in view of God having an assembly in that city (Acts 18). His providential orderings now are not less real, or less recognizable to faith.

—Selected

The cross of Christ is a great reality. It stands as a barrier between the believer and the world that put Him to death. By that cross I am crucified unto the world and the world unto me.