In and Out of the Will of God – we find ourselves in the best of all possible worlds –

“And it is always the humble man who talks too much,
the proud man watches himself too closely.”

– G. K. Chesterton

It is merciful of God to prevent those of us moving in our own strength from speaking His words in power by His Spirit. A mercy and a necessity. For, if it be He who works, it will be in no uncertain terms. So, I find myself both thankful and ashamed that I held my tongue so well at Thanksgiving. It will not do to say what ought have been said, in love, then and there, in vanity, here and now. No, I thank God for His mercy – and knowing it – even in rebellion – receive it in forgiveness.

It does start me thinking though . . . thinking on what repentance and obedience look like when the commanded and sovereign wills of God collide in our experience.

So it is that I find myself in my current circumstance – undoubtedly – as a result of, perhaps countless, decisions made apart from faith – and – apart from God. That is to say, I have violated His commanded will.

Yet, I know that – even in my rebellion – my very sinful actions serve to prove God’s will. For, everything serves to prove God’s will and His will is never proven in vain. That is to say, I am only, ever, and always having my being within the sovereign will of God.

So, what of my current situation? – – – – – Should I be scurrying about to correct my mistakes – that is, by undoing their ramifications (my very life, such as it is)?

It is interesting – and, oh so, liberating – to know that when we know God in repentance, and His grace in help to keep His commandments – He allows us peace and rest in His sovereign will. So much so that we can say:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

– Romans 8:28

I was called to not sit idly by and let darkness pass unanswered by the light – even, and perhaps most especially, when that darkness is found in my own family. Yet…

there, to my great shame, I found myself company for the nights unrepentant misery.

Now, it is left for me to weep – knowing that while my silence is worked together by God for my own good – it bears witness, in stark contrast, to His wrath being proven against them.

Yet, my calling still remains, by His grace He shall make me, and His will, perfect in it.

O to be humble – it is to give voice to the truth!

It was Van Till who suggested that real boldness only comes from absolute humility –

God answers the prayers of His saints…

Praying for a humble voice

To speak at a total loss,

C. W.

P.S. – I believe in ‘the best of all possible worlds’ (I have to), I live in it.