1/20/12 - Relying On God's Grace

I've been praying a lot lately over learning to truly rely on God's grace on a daily basis. Here's something from "the dust" on that subject.
From the Imitation of Christ

"Imitation" was written by Thomas A Kempis in the 15th Centry, and after the bible, it is the most read Christian book in the world. It was used by many saints (including St. Therese of Lisieux) to help in their spiritual development. Book 3 of the Imitation consists of an "interior conversation" between Christ and a disciple. This quote is from Book 3, Chapter 30. Christ is teaching the disciple.

Chapter 30. THE QUEST OF DIVINE HELP AND CONFIDENCE IN REGAINING GRACE
THE VOICE OF CHRIST

MY CHILD, I am the Lord Who gives strength in the day of trouble. Come to Me when all is not well with you. Your tardiness in turning to prayer is the greatest obstacle to heavenly consolation, for before you pray earnestly to Me you first seek many comforts and take pleasure in outward things. Thus, all things are of little profit to you until you realize that I am the one Who saves those who trust in Me, and that outside of Me there is no worth-while help, or any useful counsel or lasting remedy.

But now, after the tempest, take courage, grow strong once more in the light of My mercies; for I am near, says the Lord, to restore all things not only to the full but with abundance and above measure. Is anything difficult for Me? Or shall I be as one who promises and does not act? Where is your faith? Stand firm and persevere. Be a man of endurance and courage, and consolation will come to you in due time. Wait for Me; wait -- and I will come to heal you.

It is only a temptation that troubles you, a vain fear that terrifies you.

Of what use is anxiety about the future? Does it bring you anything but trouble upon trouble? Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. It is foolish and useless to be either grieved or happy about future things which perhaps may never happen. But it is human to be deluded by such imaginations, and the sign of a weak soul to be led on by suggestions of the enemy. For he does not care whether he overcomes you by love of the present or fear of the future.

Let not your heart be troubled, therefore, nor let it be afraid. Believe in Me and trust in My mercy. When you think you are far from Me, then often I am very near you. When you judge that almost all is lost, then very often you are in the way of gaining great merit.

This is about half of the chapter. For the rest, go to: http://www.leaderu.com/cyber/books/imitation/imb3c21-30.html#RTFToC209