I would recommend these considerations to you. Letters of John Newton

Dear Sir, I would recommend these considerations to you.

First, be persuaded that there is no possible way of life in this fallen world without snares and difficulties of some kind or other. Secondly, be assured that the hand and providence of God is as actually and immediately concerned in determining the circumstances and manner of your life and abode as in fixing the sun in the sky. He knows what you are, your strength, temperament, and constitution, and He has already determined the way in which He will have you glorify Him. Every complaint we give way to is in effect no less than preferring our own blind and easily deceived hearts to God's unerring wisdom.

Thirdly, there is nothing in external circumstances of any kind that can hinder us at all in our Christian course. It is out of the heart that unbelief, pride, self-will, vanity, and impurity proceed, and these are our only hindrances. For my own part, I have often lost the improvement of present opportunities and neglected present duty, by letting my thoughts run upon what I would be and how I would act in some other station, to which it was quite unlikely and sometimes impossible I would ever be placed. But I hope I now begin to see the folly of this.

My present way is the best way, all things considered, in which I could be situated. Those things that I am apt to call difficulties and hindrances are only the appointments of divine wisdom to exercise and strengthen my graces. If all things were agreeable and smooth, according to our own selfish desires, then we would have no need for the graces of gentleness, forbearance, patience, meekness, resignation, and so forth.

We must ever expect trials and temptations and other things disagreeable to the flesh. Let us often remember how our Christian life is described in Scripture It is called a trial, a race, a wrestling, a warfare, a crucifixion, a death. All terms importing effort and suffering. Let us therefore cheerfully take up our cross daily and follow our Lord in the way in which He Himself walked. The path of self-denial. This is the way which He has expressly appointed for us.

And while in this way we may cheerfully commit our souls to Him as our faithful and compassionate Savior who beholds all our strugglings and will never allow us to be tried or tempted above what we shall be enabled to bear. May the Lord Himself effectually teach you to gladly embrace His providential dealings with you. He will shortly bring you to that glorious state where sin and sorrow shall have no more entrance.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.