Episode 2426: Trusting in God’s Will - Morning Episode

Welcome to today's episode, where we delve into the profound wisdom of the saints and Scripture, exploring the theme of trusting in God's will, even when it diverges from our own desires. We'll reflect on the insights of St. Arnold Janssen, St. Teresa of Avila, and the powerful assurance found in Isaiah 54:17. In a world where personal desires often clash with divine will, we are reminded that God's plans are always for our ultimate good, leading us toward greater humility and spiritual protection.

The Wisdom of Trusting God's Will
St. Arnold Janssen provides us with a succinct yet profound truth:
"Even when God's will does not correspond to your own desires, it is always beneficial for you."
This quote encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship complete trust in God's will, even when it contrasts sharply with our own. In our journey of faith, we often encounter situations where our desires and God's plans seem at odds. It is in these moments that our trust in God's goodness and wisdom is tested.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, we understand that God's will is not only perfect but also always directed toward our ultimate good, even when it leads us through trials, disappointments, or suffering. Our desires are often limited by our human understanding, which is finite and prone to error. In contrast, God's will encompasses His infinite wisdom and love, always working toward the salvation of our souls. Trusting in God’s will, therefore, requires humility a recognition that our desires must be conformed to His greater plan.

Humility Through Knowledge of God and Self
St. Teresa of Avila offers a deeper insight into this journey of trust through the practice of humility:
"I believe we shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God, for, beholding His greatness, we are struck by our own baseness, His purity shows our foulness, and by meditating on His humility we find how very far we are from being humble. Two advantages are gained by this practice. First, it is clear that white looks far whiter when placed near something black, and on the contrary, black never looks so dark as when seen beside something white. Secondly, our understanding and will become more noble and capable of good in every way when we turn from ourselves to God: it is very injurious never to raise our minds above the mire of our own faults."
St. Teresa emphasizes the transformative power of contemplating God's greatness, which leads us to a true knowledge of ourselves. When we compare our smallness and sinfulness to God's infinite majesty and purity, we become aware of how much we need His grace. This awareness is the foundation of true humility.

In the context of trusting God's will, humility plays a crucial role. It allows us to submit our desires to God, recognizing that His will is far superior to our own. The more we meditate on God’s attributes His power, wisdom, and love the more we realize how essential it is to surrender our lives into His hands. By turning our minds away from our faults and focusing on God's goodness, we align our wills with His, making us more open to His guidance and grace.
Divine Protection in the Face of Adversity
Trusting in God’s will also comes with the assurance of His protection, as beautifully expressed in Isaiah 54:17:
"I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, says the Lord."
This Scripture reassures us that when we align ourselves with God’s will, we are under His divine protection. No weapon, whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional, can ultimately harm us if we are servants of the Lord. This does not mean that we will not face challenges or adversities, but rather that these trials will not prevail against us they will be used by God to strengthen and purify us.
This divine protection is the "heritage of the servants of the Lord." It is a promise that as long as we remain faithful, trusting in God’s will and humbling ourselves before Him, He will guard us against all evil. Even when we encounter the ravager, symbolizing the forces of destruction and sin, we can have confidence that God will bring us through victorious.
Conclusion
In today's episode, we have explored the profound lessons of trusting in God's will, embracing humility, and relying on His divine protection. St. Arnold Janssen reminds us that God’s will, though sometimes difficult to accept, is always for our ultimate benefit. St. Teresa of Avila shows us that true humility is found by contemplating God’s greatness, which helps us understand our own need for His grace. Finally, Isaiah 54:17 assures us that no weapon fashioned against us will prosper when we place our trust in the Lord.

As we continue on our spiritual journey, let us strive to surrender our desires to God, grow in humility, and trust in His unfailing protection. May we always remember that God’s will is our surest path to holiness and eternal life.
Thank you for joining us today. May God bless you and guide you as you seek to do His will in all things.