The difference between pre-destination and providence could be compared to a rigged game and a fair contest. Theologically the construct in pre-destination is that God has your life and all events therein fixed at conception. All outcomes and consequences are determined in advance. The concept of providence is more like from time to time the spirit nudges us, or a guiding hand leads us. With providence, often it is only seen when looking back upon an event. The reasoning of pre-destination would be no matter what choices are made either good or bad the events are beyond personal control. Free will has no part in this thinking.
Genesis 22:1-14 is a passage scholars call the testing of Abraham. It is difficult for us to fathom the obedience the patriarch displays because we know where God is leading, and while the outcome of the story is positive, the ending would have been far different with the sacrifice of Isaac. To concentrate on whether Abraham would willingly sacrifice his only son is to lose focus. A point worth some consideration is to concentrate on the earnest intent of Abraham to see where God wanted him to go, then to act in faith believing God would be present. This relationship began years ago when God asked him to leave his homeland and family to establish a land for God’s people. As part of the relationship, God changed Abram, and Sari, to Abraham and Sarah, and assured them the blessings of ancestors would be theirs.
With the relationship in full force, Abraham travels into unknown territory with his son Isaac. When his son notes that the wood and fire are present for the burnt offering, but asks where the lamb for the offering is, his father simply says God will provide it. We can merely speculate what went through Abraham’s heart and mind as he bound his son, placed him on the altar and prepared to sacrifice him. Only when an angel intercedes on behalf of God does Abraham look up and see the ram caught in the bramble. He named the place “The Lord will provide.” At the voice of the angel, what did Abraham see when he turned his eyes from the altar to the horizon? It seems fair to say he saw the promise of God in terms of relationship, along with a better value of providence.
