Being and Doing – 8 January – The Will of God

WHAT is the will of God?

Every morning and evening we pray, ‘Thy Will be done;’ and it would seem to be futile to pray for that the meaning of which we have no conception…

The will of God is righteous dealing, and love, and forbearance, and hope – forward-looking – and joy.

You know what these words mean. They are not shadows.

You know that, in proportion as you follow after these things, the sky is brighter above you, and in your dwellings is fulness of joy.

You know that the common daylight is transfigured, that the daily task is hallowed, that the familiar faces of those with whom you live shine with a lustre of beauty and of peace; and why?  Because you have entered into the will of God.

Try it; try it only for a week.

For, as you try it, you will realise this fact above all others, that not only is every single act of self-sacrifice, of love, of kindliness, blessed in itself, in its immediate result – not only on others, but on yourself – but that every single act, however trivial and small, is not isolated and alone, but is part of a higher life, of a more perfect existence, of a loftier intellect, and a diviner love.

Every single act of sacrifice is part of the great sacrifice that

‘Hallowed earth and fills the skies.’

Every act of love and kindliness is only possible because it is part of the divine love; nothing can exist save as the result of the existence of its perfect ideal, and the ideal of perfect existence is God…

The will of God is an energising power in every heart that submits to the guidance of its gentle influences.

SHORTHOUSE.

oooOOOooo

These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery. 

Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.

For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith.  I hope they will encourage others also.