Chapter 18

The Way of Life III

THE Spiritual life is one long series of surrenderings to the Will of God, and non-resistance to so-called evil. Because our life is planned by God, it is therefore good, and all experiences are helps on the way. It is a great day for us when we realize that nothing can come to us that is not good and that all the experiences of life are spiritual, designed by Infinite Wisdom and Love to help us on our heavenly pathway. Because our life is planned by God, and therefore good, it is obvious that we must meet its disciplines, and so-called evil experiences, with non-resistance, with co-operation instead of antagonism.

When apparent evil comes upon us, when unwelcome changes come into our life, of when its foundations seem crumbling beneath our feet, and the dearest earthly props are taken away, then it is that we feel tempted to resist and look upon life and its experiences as evil. But it is not so. It is simply Infinite Wisdom and Love leading us to something that is better.

At such times it is usual to pray God for deliverance. As soon as trouble appears we commence to pray for it to be taken away. That is if we do not know better. Thus I have known a person to be in Australia, praying frantically to be taken to England; and, at the same time, for a person in England to be praying just as energetically to be taken to Australia. Both were trying their hardest, without knowing it, to increase the disorder of their respective lives. They were both led astray by the assumption that there was something wrong which therefore must be put right. They did not know that we are all led by the Spirit, and that just at the right time we are taken to the right place where our right work awaits us. There is no conflict in the Spirit. When the time is ripe and all things are ready, the way is opened for us, easily, smoothly and harmoniously; everything falling into its right place, like well-oiled machinery. All things are always working together for good. When apparent evil comes upon us we should say: ‘’What “good’ is it that the Lord is revealing now?” If we do this we find that all is well and all is love.

While it is helpful for beginners to pray to God for deliverance, because all forms of prayer are beneficial, and a more advanced form of prayer is not yet possible to them, yet for the more advanced seeker there is, obviously only one type of prayer for him, and that is: “Lead Thou me on,” or “Father, not my will but Thine be done.” God alone knows the way. God alone can lead us in the right path. God alone can bring us into perfect harmony and peace.

Yes, this is the only way to the Kingdom; to surrender completely to the Will of “our Father,’’ to be led entirely by the Spirit, to give up ourselves and all that we have and are to God, to live only as Love dictates, to resist not evil, but to overcome by good. This is the way of joy and peace and harmony and true content. It is the only path that leads to the satisfaction of the deep hunger of the soul.