Do you believe that God is taking care of you—looking out for you? In other words, how much do you trust in God? What do you think when you hear these words from Scripture: “But the Lord is with me like a mighty champion.” Or what Jesus says to the Apostles: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” When you face the challenges of life do you do your best to stay the course and not fall to pieces because you have the confidence that in the end God will work it out—or better yet, pray that God’s will be done! Can you look at crazy circumstances and still say: God knows what he’s doing?
Do you believe in Divine Providence—that God’s Providence is real? If you do, then when it comes to your own circumstances—the good and the not so good—perhaps these words I’m about to share with you will make sense. The piece I’m about to read is called “I asked…” the author is unknown.
I asked God for strength,
That I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey…
I asked for health,
That I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity,
That I might do better things…
I asked for riches,
That I might be happy.
I was given poverty,
That I might be wise…
I asked for power,
That I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness,
That I might feel the need of God…
I asked for all things,
That I might enjoy life.
I was given life,
That I might enjoy all things…
I got nothing I asked for—
But everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken
Prayers were answered.
I am, among all,
Most richly blessed!
I believe that this unknown author was a person who believed in Divine Providence—God’s providence. It’s confidence that in the end, good will prevail, that God’s will be done. God’s Providence is real. It will never let us down. Every evil deed will be set right, and every prayer will be answered. Don’t forget, reality includes eternity. No matter how dark the tunnel of life gets, as Christians, we are always able to see a light ahead: our resurrected Lord.
In closing let me share with you this quote from St Pauline (of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus) about Divine Providence. St. Pauline died in 1942. She was the founders of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Their mission to serve the poor. She was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, the first female Brazilian to be canonized. Sometimes referred to as the patron saint of diabetics. As you listen to these words let them really settle your heart and mind as you picture yourself standing before the Lord:
Be humble. Trust always and a great deal in Divine Providence; never, never, must you let yourself be discouraged, despite contrary winds. I say it again: trust in God and Mary Immaculate; be faithful and forge ahead…! The presence of God is so intimate to me that it seems impossible for me to lose it; and such presence gives my soul a joy which I cannot describe.
