All Our Care Is to Be Placed in God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of casting all care on God and being willing to suffer for His sake, while cultivating a spirit of gratitude in all circumstances.
Thomas a Kempis preaches about surrendering to the will of Christ, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's plan over our own desires and understanding that His care for us surpasses our own self-care. The disciple acknowledges the need to fully rely on God's guidance and to be content in all circumstances, whether in darkness or light, comfort or affliction. Christ reminds the disciple to be willing to suffer and be content in all situations, reflecting a heart that is fully surrendered to God's will.
Text
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
MY CHILD, allow me to do what I will with you. I know what is best for you. You think as a man; you feel in many things as human affection persuades.
THE DISCIPLE
Lord, what You say is true. Your care for me is greater than all the care I can take of myself. For he who does not cast all his care upon You stands very unsafely. If only my will remain right and firm toward You, Lord, do with me whatever pleases You. For whatever You shall do with me can only be good.
If You wish me to be in darkness, I shall bless You. And if You wish me to be in light, again I shall bless You. If You stoop down to comfort me, I shall bless You, and if You wish me to be afflicted, I shall bless You forever.
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
My child, this is the disposition which you should have if you wish to walk with Me. You should be as ready to suffer as to enjoy. You should as willingly be destitute and poor as rich and satisfied.
THE DISCIPLE
O Lord, I shall suffer willingly for Your sake whatever You wish to send me. I am ready to accept from Your hand both good and evil alike, the sweet and the bitter together, sorrow with joy; and for all that happens to me I am grateful. Keep me from all sin and I will fear neither death nor hell. Do not cast me out forever nor blot me out of the Book of Life, and whatever tribulation befalls will not harm me.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Casting Care on God
- The Willingness to Suffer
- The Attitude of Gratitude
- Being grateful for all that happens
- Seeking protection from sin
Key Quotes
“If only my will remain right and firm toward You, Lord, do with me whatever pleases You. For whatever You shall do with me can only be good.” — Thomas a Kempis
“You should be as ready to suffer as to enjoy. You should as willingly be destitute and poor as rich and satisfied.” — Thomas a Kempis
“I am ready to accept from Your hand both good and evil alike, the sweet and the bitter together, sorrow with joy; and for all that happens to me I am grateful.” — Thomas a Kempis
Application Points
- Recognize your human limitations and cast all care on God, trusting in His greater care for you.
- Cultivate a spirit of gratitude in all circumstances, being thankful for both good and evil that comes your way.
- Seek protection from sin, allowing you to fear neither death nor hell and to be at peace in the midst of tribulation.