Providence is wiser than you, and you may be confident it has suited all things better to your eternal good than you could do had you been left to your own option.
Interpretation
Trust in a higher power to guide your life for the best, even when it seems beyond your understanding.
This quote by John Flavel emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting that there is a greater wisdom at work in the universe than our own limited understanding. It suggests that we often believe we know what is best for ourselves, but true wisdom and guidance come from providence, which has thoughtfully arranged circumstances for our ultimate benefit, even when we may not see it at the time.
In practice
In a speech about overcoming challenges, one might use this quote to remind the audience to trust in greater plans.
All the tears of a penitent sinner, should he shed as many as there have fallen drops of rain, since the creation, to this day, cannot wash away one sin. The everLasting burnings in hell, cannot purify the flaming conscience, from the least sin.
All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".
Providence is like a curious piece of tapestry made of a thousand shreds, which, single, appear useless, but put together, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.
The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.
Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within. It is there all the time.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Either you're growing or you're decaying; there's no middle ground. If you're standing still, you're decaying.
When you combine the ability to express your unique talent with service to humanity, then you make full use of The Law of Dharma.
Knowledge is essential to conquest; only according to our ignorance are we helpless. Thought creates character. Character can dominate conditions. Will creates circumstances and environment.
All of a sudden you realise that you are the person who has control of your life.
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