Seeing the Will of God in Daily Events
God's will is present in all aspects of life, and we can find it in the smallest trials and everyday situations.
Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of Edward B. Pusey, emphasizes the intricate care and knowledge God has for each individual, even down to the very hairs on our heads, as mentioned in Matthew 10:30. She encourages walking in the strength of the Lord God, as expressed in Psalms 71:16, trusting in His power and guidance. Tileston highlights the importance of recognizing God's will in both great troubles and daily, seemingly insignificant trials, teaching that even in the smallest challenges, we can practice aligning our will with God's will, ultimately conforming to His divine purpose.
Text
The very hairs of your head are all numbered.
MATTHEW 10:30
I will go in the strength of the Lord God.
PSALMS 71:16
NO trouble is too small wherein to see the will of God for thee. Great troubles come but seldom. Daily fretting trials, that is, what of thyself would fret thee, may often, in God's hands, conform thee more to His gracious will. They are the daily touches, whereby He traces on thee the likeness of His divine will. There is nothing too slight wherein to practice oneness with the will of God. By daily practice in slight crosses of our own will, do we learn the lesson our Lord taught, "Not as I will, but as Thou." All the things whereof men daily complain may perfect thee in the will of God. The changes of the seasons, bodily discomforts or ailments, rude words, petty slights, little jealousies, unevenness of temper in those with whom thou livest, misunderstandings, censures of thy faith or practice, severe judgments, thanklessness of those thou wouldest benefit, interruptions in what thou wouldest do, oppressiveness or distraction of thy labors,--whatever thou canst think of, wherein others fret themselves, and, still more, thyself; therein thou seest how to be of one will with God.
EDWARD B. PUSEY
Sermon Outline
- The Will of God in Daily Events points: - God's will is present in all aspects of life - Not just great troubles, but daily trials can conform us to God's will
- Practicing Oneness with God's Will points: - Daily practice in slight crosses of our own will - Learning to say 'Not as I will, but as Thou'
- Finding God's Will in Everyday Situations points: - Changes of the seasons - Bodily discomforts or ailments - Rude words, petty slights, and more
- Being of One Will with God points: - In the midst of interruptions and distractions - In the face of thanklessness and oppression
Key Quotes
“The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“By daily practice in slight crosses of our own will, do we learn the lesson our Lord taught, 'Not as I will, but as Thou.'” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Practice saying 'Not as I will, but as Thou' to learn to submit to God's will.
- Seek to find God's will in the midst of interruptions and distractions.
- Look for ways to practice gratitude and see God's will in the midst of thanklessness.