“He knows what He is about”: St. John Henry Newman’s Wise Trust in God Despite Hardships

Saint John Henry Newman’s words, like timeless pearls of wisdom, continue to stir hearts and minds, inviting introspection and surrender to the divine will. One of his most renowned quotes encapsulates the essence of his profound faith and understanding of human existence:

“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.” – St. John Henry Newman

Diving deeper in Newman’s quote

“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught.”

These words, penned with the depth of a soul attuned to the whispers of the divine, speak of a profound sense of purpose woven into the fabric of human existence. Newman’s recognition of being chosen for a specific task, a mission known only to the omniscient Creator, underscores his unwavering trust in God’s plan.

“I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments.”

Here, Newman acknowledges the transformative power of obedience to God’s commandments. In every action, whether grand or seemingly insignificant, lies the potential to serve the divine purpose. It is in the quiet fulfillment of daily duties, in acts of kindness and compassion, that one becomes an instrument of divine grace.

“Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.”

Newman’s trust in God’s providence shines brightly through these words. In the face of adversity, he finds solace in the belief that even suffering has a purpose in the grand tapestry of existence. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, sickness or health, Newman’s unwavering faith illuminates the path towards surrendering to the divine will.

“He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.”

In this final acknowledgment, Newman reaches the zenith of spiritual understanding – the acceptance of the unknown, the relinquishing of control, and the profound trust in God’s wisdom. Despite the uncertainties of life, Newman finds reassurance in the belief that every twist and turn in the journey is guided by a higher purpose.

In the eloquence of his words, Saint John Henry Newman beckons us to embrace our own journey with humility and trust. He invites us to surrender to the divine will, knowing that in doing so, we become vessels of grace, woven into the intricate design of God’s plan. For in the hands of Providence, every life, every experience, finds its meaning and purpose.