Is it correct to refer to something as a “God thing”?

Answer

“God thing” is an informal phrase that has gained popularity in contemporary Christian culture through music and literature. It is commonly used to describe a situation or outcome that appears to be a direct result of God’s intervention. More formal and traditional expressions like “It was a miracle!” or “It was divine providence at work” convey a similar meaning to labeling something a “God thing.”

The phrase “It was a God thing” is often uttered in testimonies, indirectly attributing credit, praise, or glory to God. For example, “There was no logical explanation for my survival in the accident. It was a God thing.” Sometimes, the emphasis is on the uniqueness or unexpectedness of an event, as in, “I have no idea how I landed the job. All I can say is it was completely a God thing!” The central concept is that God was somehow orchestrating events to bring about a remarkable outcome, such as, “My niece is being baptized today. If you had seen her last year, you would understand that this is truly a God thing.”

There is no inherent issue with using the term “God thing.” It is akin to another common Christian expression – “God moment” – which signifies a profound or intimate encounter with God’s presence or power. Both phrases are appropriate when interpreted and applied in accordance with biblical teachings.

Divine providence refers to God’s continuous, often imperceptible work in sustaining all life, maintaining the universe, meeting the needs of every living being, and fulfilling His eternal purposes in every situation (see Genesis 8:22; Nehemiah 9:6; 1 Timothy 6:13; Psalm 145:15-16; Acts 17:25-28). The Scriptures abundantly testify that everything can be considered a “God thing,” both on a universal and personal level. The God who “sustains all things by his powerful word” «and in him all things hold together. », (Colossians 1:17, NLT) also states, “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” «And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. », (Romans 8:28, NLT).

The apostle Paul proclaimed, “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen” «For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.», (Romans 11:36, NLT). A proper understanding of divine providence must embrace the truth that all things—the good and the bad, the miraculous and the mundane—are “God things.” Every brush stroke in the entire panorama of history comes from His hand. Nothing happens outside His control or authority (Isaiah 45:7;Psalm 135:6).

Rarely will someone refer to hardship as a “God thing,” yet the reality is undeniable. Joseph told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” «But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. », (Genesis 50:20). Paul testified about the trouble he and his missionary companions went through: “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9;NLT). Paul encourages us to rejoice “when we encounter problems and trials, as we know they help us develop endurance. Endurance leads to strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. This hope will not disappoint us” (Romans 5:3-5;NLT).

James viewed undergoing trials and tests as a “God thing” because they aid in our spiritual growth. He advises believers, “When faced with any kind of trouble, see it as an opportunity for great joy. Knowing that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. Let it develop, for when your endurance is fully mature, you will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4;NLT).

Rarely will someone say, “I experienced a devastating loss. It was truly a God thing.” However, this statement is deeply rooted in truth. A person with sincere faith and trust in God’s sovereignty will acknowledge a “God thing” in both good and bad days, in victory and tragedy, and through joy and sorrow because they understand that God is in control of all things. The believer who can “be still, and know that [He is] God” «Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. », (Psalm 46:10) regardless of the circumstances or outcome is the one who truly grasps the significance of a “God thing.”