All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".
Interpretation
Life's challenges often lead to greater understanding and purpose.
This quote by John Flavel reflects on the idea that the struggles and complexities we encounter in life are not just hindrances, but essential parts of our journey that ultimately guide us toward our true home or purpose. Just as the Israelites faced trials in the wilderness, these 'dark, intricate, puzzling providences' serve to shape our path and lead us to a place of fulfillment and belonging.
In practice
During a motivational speech to encourage resilience in students.
All the tears of a penitent sinner, should he shed as many as there have fallen drops of rain, since the creation, to this day, cannot wash away one sin. The everLasting burnings in hell, cannot purify the flaming conscience, from the least sin.
Providence is like a curious piece of tapestry made of a thousand shreds, which, single, appear useless, but put together, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.
The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.
Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
Providence so orders the case, that faith and prayer come between our wants and supplies, and the goodness of God may be the more magnified in our eyes thereby.
Every single person, pretty much, is taught what they're supposed to do: go to school, get a job, find someone to love, get married, have kids, raise the kids, and then die. Nobody questions that. What if you want to do something different?
Beware of the words "internal security," for they are the eternal cry of the oppressor.
The darkness, the loop of negative thoughts on repeat, clamours and interferes with the music I hear in my head.
Life on a small farm might seem primitive, but by living such a life we become able to discover the Great Path. I believe that one who deeply respects his neighborhood and everyday world in which he lives will be shown the greatest of all worlds.
You're like the thief who isn't the least bit sorry he stole, but is terribly, terribly sorry he's going to jail. - Rhett Butler
There is nothing on earth that I would not give up, excepting of course, two things and two things only, truth and nonviolence.
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