Life often feels like a series of endless challenges, doesn’t it? One difficult moment after another can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, wondering how we’re supposed to trust in God’s plan. Yet, in Jean-Pierre de Caussade’s Abandonment to Divine Providence, he offers us a profound truth: sanctity is simpler than we think. It’s not found in grand gestures or extraordinary feats, but in embracing God’s will in the seemingly mundane moments of our daily lives.
Embracing the "Fiat" of God 💕
De Caussade beautifully reminds us that sanctity is not a distant, unattainable goal. It’s as close as our everyday experiences—whether joyful or painful. All we need to do is conform our will to God’s, saying a wholehearted “yes” to what He asks of us.
He writes, "Sanctity consists in willing all that God wills for us." This truth is transformative. The very things we endure—the chores we tire of, the misunderstandings we face, the sufferings we cannot escape—become avenues to holiness when embraced with trust and love.
My Journey Toward Trust 🌱
I’ll admit, trusting God hasn’t always come easily for me. There was a time when financial struggles weighed so heavily on my family that I couldn’t see a way forward. Every unexpected bill or broken appliance felt like a personal failure. But slowly, I began to understand that God wasn’t punishing me; He was refining me.
One day, while washing dishes, I caught myself thinking, “What if this task, as small as it is, is part of God’s plan for me?” That simple realization began to change how I approached everything—from my parenting to the trials that seemed too big to handle. I started offering each moment, each difficulty, to God, trusting that He would use it for His glory.
The Philosopher’s Stone of Suffering 🌟
De Caussade describes submission to God’s will as a kind of philosopher’s stone, capable of turning even the heaviest crosses into treasures of grace. What a beautiful image! The very things we resist—illness, rejection, failure—become sanctifying when we accept them as part of God’s loving plan.
He contrasts two people enduring the same suffering: one rebels and grows bitter, while the other surrenders with love and is transformed. It’s not the suffering itself that sanctifies but the heart with which we endure it.
A Call to Act and Suffer in a Holy Manner ✝️
De Caussade’s words speak directly to each of us:
“It will cost you no more than to do what you are doing, to suffer what you are suffering, only act and suffer in a holy manner.”
This message is incredibly freeing. Sanctity doesn’t require a change in circumstance; it requires a change in perspective. Whether you’re juggling endless responsibilities, coping with grief, or enduring an illness, you can become a saint by surrendering to God’s will in these very moments.
A Gentle Encouragement for You 🕊️
If you find it hard to trust in God amidst your struggles, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Letting go is a journey, not an instant transformation. Start small. When a difficulty arises, pause and pray, “Lord, I trust You. Help me to see Your hand in this.”
Remember, God is a loving Father who only desires our good. As de Caussade writes, “What could be more easy, and who could refuse to love a will so kind and so good?”
You don’t need to change your circumstances to grow in holiness. You only need to change your heart. Sanctity isn’t beyond your reach—it’s as close as your next “yes” to God.
May these words inspire you to embrace life’s trials with courage and trust, knowing that every moment holds the potential for grace. Together, let us echo the words of Mary, our Blessed Mother, in every situation: “Fiat!”—Let it be done to me according to Your word. 🙏💖
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