This, Then Is Of Faith

This, then, is of faith, 

that everything, the very least, 

  or what seems to us great, 

every change of the seasons, 

everything which touches us in mind, 

  body, or estate, 

whether brought about through 

  this outward senseless nature, 

or by the will of man, 

  good or bad, 

is overruled to each of us 

by the all-holy and 

  all-loving will of God. 

Whatever befalls us, 

  however it befalls us, 

we must receive 

  as the will of God. 

If it befalls us through 

man’s negligence, or ill-will, 

  or anger, 

still it is, in every 

  the least circumstance, 

to us the will of God. 

For if the least thing 

  could happen to us 

without God’s permission, 

it would be something 

  out of God’s control. 

God’s providence or His love

  would not be what they are. 

Almighty God Himself 

  would not be the same God; 

not the God whom we believe, 

  adore, and love.

       ~ E. B. Pusey, from Daily Strength 

                  for Daily Needs