Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter XXX
CHAPTER XXX.
OF CRAVING THE DIVINE AID, AND OF CONFIDENCE OF RECOVERING GRACE.
AM the Lord that giveth strength in the day of tribulation.
Come thou unto Me, when it is not well with thee.
This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou art too slow in turning thyself unto prayer.
For before thou dost earnestly supplicate Me, thou seekest in the meanwhile many comforts, and for refreshment in outward things.
And hence it comes to pass that all doth little profit, until thou consider well that I am He Who doth rescue them that trust in Him; and that out of Me there is neither powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy.
But do thou, having now recovered breath after the tempest, gather strength again in the light of My mercies: for I am at hand (saith the Lord) to repair all, not only entirely, but also abundantly and in most plentiful measure.
2. Is there anything hard to Me? or shall I be like unto one that promiseth and performeth not?
Where is thy faith? stand firmly and with perseverance; take courage and be patient; comfort will come to thee in due time.
Wait, wait, I say, for Me: I will come and help thee.
It is a temptation that vexeth thee, and a vain fear, this that affrighteth thee.
What else doth anxiety about the future bring thee, but sorrow upon sorrow? "Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof."
It is vain and unprofitable, to be disturbed about future things, which perhaps will never come to pass.
3. But it is in the nature of man to be deluded with such imaginations; and it is a sign of a mind as yet weak to be so easily drawn away by the suggestions of the enemy.
For so that he may delude and deceive thee, he careth not whether it be by true things or false; whether he overthrow thee with the love of present, or the fear of future things.
Let not therefore thy heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Trust in Me, and put thy confidence in My mercy.
When thou thinkest thyself farthest off from Me, oftentimes I am nearest unto thee.
When thou thinkest that almost all is lost, then oftentimes the greatest gain of reward is close at hand.
All is not lost, when a thing falleth out against thee.
Thou must not judge according to present feeling; nor so take any grief, or give thyself over to it, from whencesoever it cometh, as though all hope of escape were taken away.
4. Think not thyself wholly left, although for a time I have sent thee some tribulation, or even have withdrawn thy desired comfort; for this is the way to the kingdom of heaven.
And without doubt it is more expedient for thee and the rest of My servants, that ye be exercised with adversities, than that ye should have all things according to your desires.
I know the secret thoughts of thy heart, and that it is very expedient for thy welfare, that thou be sometimes left without spiritual enjoyment, lest perhaps thou shouldst be puffed up with thy prosperous estate, and shouldst be willing to please thyself in that which thou art not.
That which I have given, I can take away; and can restore it again when I please.
5. When I give it, it is Mine; when I withdraw it, I take not anything that is thine; for every good and every perfect gift is Mine.
If I send thee affliction, or any cross whatsoever, repine not, nor let thy heart fail thee: I can quickly succour thee, and turn all thy heaviness into joy.
Yet I am righteous and greatly to be praised, when I deal thus with thee.
6. If thou be wise, thou wilt never mourn dejectedly for any adversity, but rather wilt rejoice and give thanks. Yea, thou wilt account this thine especial joy, that I afflict thee with sorrows, and do not spare thee.
"As My Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you," said I unto My beloved disciples; whom I sent not out to temporal joys, but to great conflicts; not to honour, but to contempt; not to idleness, but to labours; not to rest, but that they should with patience bring forth much fruit. Remember thou these words, O My son!