And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Bruno of Cologne (Archbishop elect) has a dilemma and asks Bernard of Clairvaux (monk, doctor and reformer) for advice. Here is Bernard’s reply: “If I do not express a decisive opinion, it is because I do not myself feel assured. This must needs be the case, for the gift of prophecy and of wisdom only could resolve your doubt. For who could draw clear water out of a muddy pool? Yet there is one thing that I can do for a friend without danger, and with the assurance of a good result; that is to offer to God my petition that He will assist you in this matter. Leaving, therefore, to Him the secret things of His providence, of which we are ignorant, I will beg Him, with humble prayer and earnest supplication, that He will work in you and with respect to you that which shall be for His glory, and at the same time for your good.”
Bernard of Clairvaux in Letter III (A.D. 1131) to Bruno, Archbishop Elect of Cologne in Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux (Grand Rapids: CCEL, 2000) 22.
In the solitude of my hotel room, I decided to explore the idea of providence in the letters of Bernard, an influential monk, doctor and reformer who lived long before the Reformation. I love Bernard! This excerpt in particular struck me.
Some people have the gift of prophecy and wisdom. Those who do must exercise it generously to assist those in need. But everyone else also has a gift they can give a person in need: humble prayer and earnest supplication.
Yesterday I was asked for advice and shared from the gifts God has given me. I also prayed with the bloke with whom I was speaking because God, who works for our good and His glory, can impart to him the secret things of His providence.
Next time a person comes to you for need. Help them generously if you are able. But if not, don’t send them away without humble prayer and earnest supplication, or literally, “begging God”, that He who works for our good will minister to them out of the secret things of His providence!
Beg God for someone today!