“The good God, who guides us as He pleases, has prepared everything with power and care since time immemorial” (St. Charles de Foucauld).
It is comforting to know that our Father includes our faults and sins in His plan of salvation. Of course, that does not mean we can willingly give ourselves over to sin, nor does it mean that working on our weaknesses is unnecessary. Far be it from us to have such an attitude! Our Lord endowed us with free will so that we are always oriented toward His will. However, it is an invaluable help to know that we should never give up after having failed, for we have the certainty that our all-knowing and benevolent God holds our life in His hands, with all its ups and downs.
In addition to the comfort this gives us regarding our weakness and fallibility, the certainty of God’s infinite wisdom can strengthen us. If the things that await us are still hidden from us, they are fully known to God. Nothing is unknown to Him. Therefore, if we sincerely try to do His will, we can trust Him completely. Thus, we are called to rid ourselves of all fear of what the future may hold. God knows this and guides it for our good according to His plan of salvation.
Undoubtedly, this is easier said than done. But it is important to make that decision of faith and hold on to it, especially when we are not in control of situations, whether on a personal or supra-personal level. This act of faith will help us not to simply endure situations as if they were some kind of inescapable destiny, but to recognize God’s hand in them, even if it is still hidden.
From time immemorial, our Father has prepared everything with power and care to guide us as He pleases.