Being and Doing – 9 September – Blessings in Disguise
GOD brings good out of evil, and sometimes what we call evil is not so evil in reality as what we in our ignorance would put in its place. These perplexities cannot always be explained; but many of them can and are. Many times what we fancied was hurtful has been of the greatest service; what we flinched from has made us happier; what we dreaded has come and gone and left a blessing behind it. Many a time what we longed for has been denied us, and the denial has made us happier than if we had obtained it. He must be very short-sighted indeed who cannot see in his own life many instances of his having been led by paths that he did not know.
Bishop TEMPLE
I SEE the wrong that round me lies,
I feel the guilt within;
I hear with groan and travail cries
The world confess its sin.
Yet, in the maddening maze of things,
And tossed by storm and flood,
To one fixed stake my spirit clings,
I know that God is good.
The wrong that pains my soul below
I dare not throne above;
I know not of His hate–I know,
His goodness and His love.
WHITTIER
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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.
Suffolk Vicar 