Providence and sanctification

John Flavel - Puritan - writes about providence and in one chapter he talks of sanctification:

"Now there are two means or instruments employed in this work. The Spirit, who effects it internally (Rom. 8. 13), and Providence, which assists it externally."

I've never seen it this way, but it rings so true when you see it put this way. Providence, events, people, places, things, phenomena, work to help or give friction or what have you. You see this in Work effort. When you have the Spirit from making self-remembering efforts you then are in a new world where providence is acting on you externally.

Havn't you observed the 'coincidences' that occur when you are doing something 'bad' or wrong or what have you. A person appears out of no where. Something. Also, the difficult, surprising event that occurs when you are filled with higher energy. Things like this. Other examples, different types of examples, as well.