God's Providence

Isa 10:15-16
15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? {That would be} like a club wielding those who lift it, {or} like a rod lifting {him who} is not wood.16 Therefore the Lord, the GOD of hosts, will send a wasting disease among his stout warriors; and under his glory a fire will be kindled like a burning flame.(NAS)

This verse is an excellent example of God's divine providence. The passage is referring to the Assyrians. The Assyrians conquered Israel, and they thought of themselves rather highly for having done so. Their victory wouldn't last, however. As this verse shows, the Assyrians were just a piece of God's plan to discipline His people and bring glory to himself. The Assyrians would soon receive punishment of their own.

A more modern application of this absolute divine providence can be found in Romans.

Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.(NAS)

For Christians walking with God, or even for those who have temporarily strayed away from the path, everything is done for our good in the end. That includes but is not limited to: trials, tribulations, punishments, consequences, rewards, natural disasters around the world, wars, etc. Somehow in the end, all these things will work for God's glory and our good. That is definitely something to hope in.