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.
Interpretation
Life's experiences may seem random and insignificant alone, but together they create a meaningful narrative.
This quote by John Flavel illustrates the idea that our individual experiences, which may seem trivial or disconnected at first, contribute to a larger and more intricate story when viewed as a whole. Just as threads in a tapestry weave together to form a beautiful picture, our lives are shaped by the accumulation of various moments and experiences that come together to define our journey and its significance.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
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.
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".
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.
God removes the sin of the one who makes humble confession, and thereby the devil loses the sovereignty he had gained over the human heart.
God is subtle but he is not malicious.
No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
It is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then you are not bothered by what God requires; common sense is your guide, veneered over with Christian sentiment. You will be more prosperous and successful, more leisure-hearted, if you never realize the call of God.
Truth is found neither in the thesis nor the antithesis, but in an emergent synthesis which reconciles the two.
Satisfy your demand for reason but always remember that charity is beyond reason, and God can be known through charity.
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