Twelfth Letter
The comfort of faith is the foundation of our confidence in GOD, and it alleviates bodily diseases and helps us endure suffering.
Brother Lawrence emphasizes the importance of constantly being in the presence of God, finding comfort and strength in prayer and faith even in the midst of suffering. He encourages offering our pains to God, seeking His will, and maintaining a deep connection with Him through adoration and surrender. Despite uncertainties and trials, Brother Lawrence finds unending joy and peace in God's presence, acknowledging his own weaknesses but relying on faith to sustain him. He urges believers to remain steadfast in their faith, always seeking God's presence and living in accordance with His will.
Text
To the same correspondent probably, and expresses his own abiding comfort through faith.
IF we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of GOD, all bodily diseases would be much alleviated thereby. GOD often permits that we should suffer a little, to purify our souls, and oblige us to continue with Him.
Take courage, offer Him your pains incessantly, pray to Him for strength to endure them. Above all, get a habit of entertaining yourself often with GOD, and forget Him the least you can. Adore Him in your infirmities, offer yourself to Him from time to time; and, in the height of your sufferings, beseech Him humbly and affectionately (as a child his father) to make you conformable to His holy will. I shall endeavour to assist you with my poor prayers.
GOD has many ways of drawing us to Himself. He sometimes hides Himself from us: but faith alone, which will not fail us in time of need, ought to be our support, and the foundation of our confidence, which must be all in GOD.
I know not how GOD will dispose of me: I am always happy: all the world suffer; and I, who deserve the severest discipline, feel joys so continual, and so great, that I can scarce contain them.
I would willingly ask of GOD a part of your sufferings, but that I know my weakness, which is so great, that if He left me one moment to myself, I should be the most wretched man alive. And yet I know not how He can leave me alone, because faith gives me as strong a conviction as sense can do, that He never forsakes us, till we have first forsaken Him. Let us fear to leave Him. Let us be always with Him. Let us live and die in His presence. Do you pray for me, as I for you.
Sermon Outline
- The Comfort of Faith
- Practical Steps for Enduring Suffering
- Faith as a Support
- Offer pains to GOD incessantly
- Entertain yourself with GOD's presence
- Faith will not fail in time of need
- Faith is the foundation of confidence
Key Quotes
“IF we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of GOD, all bodily diseases would be much alleviated thereby.” — Brother Lawrence
“Let us fear to leave Him. Let us be always with Him. Let us live and die in His presence.” — Brother Lawrence
“I know not how GOD will dispose of me: I am always happy: all the world suffer; and I, who deserve the severest discipline, feel joys so continual, and so great, that I can scarce contain them.” — Brother Lawrence
Application Points
- Make it a habit to entertain yourself with GOD's presence, especially in times of suffering.
- Pray to GOD for strength to endure and for His guidance and comfort.
- Remember that faith gives us the conviction that GOD never forsakes us, till we have first forsaken Him.