For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:32-33
“Give to God what belongs to Him, and remain lovingly passive in His hands. Hold for certain that what takes place either exteriorly or interiorly is best for you. Allow God to act, and abandon yourself to Him. Let the chisel perform its office, the needle do its work. Let the brush of the artist cover the canvas with many tints which only have the appearance of daubs. Correspond with all these divine operations by a simple and constant submission, a forgetfulness of self, and an assiduous application to duty.
Continue thus in your own groove without studying the way, the ins and outs, and surroundings, the names or particulars of the places; go on blindly pursuing this path, and you will be shown what is to follow. Seek only the kingdom of God and His justice by love and obedience, and all the rest will be added to you. We meet with many souls who are distressed about themselves, and inquire anxiously, “Who will direct us so that we may become mortified and holy, and attain perfection?”
Let them search in books for the description and characteristics of this marvellous work, its nature and qualities; but as for you, do you remain peacefully united to God by love, and follow blindly the clear straight path of duty. The angels are at your side during this time of darkness, and they will bear you up. If God requires more of you, He will make it known to you by His inspirations.”
Jean Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751) in Abandonment to Divine Providence (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 70.
In my teaching on this trip which has now brought me to my last stop, Melbourne, Australia, I have reminded those I have served to wait on the Lord and to allow God to act. This is particularly difficult for people who come from well-resourced countries. Why trust in and wait for God when you can act?
Our actions might reflect taking matters into our own hands. God wants us to abandon ourselves to His providence, to remain lovingly dependent upon Him. What path will you choose? There’s a catch you must know before you decide. God is looking for people willing to follow Him blindly, to trust Him completely.
This relates to generosity because times of darkness are inevitable. We can trust Him to sustain us and bear us up. The test is whether we will choose instead to act on our own or choose to worry or fear. This 29 day trip has stretched me. But I trust Him to bear me up and pray you can too.