God will accomplish His own purpose, no matter by what instrumentality; but if His child, in impatience of spirit and unbelief of heart, will take himself out of His hands, he must expect much sorrowful exercise and painful discipline.
This is where the excessive feebleness of our hearts is constantly disclosed. We do not lie passive in God's hand -we will be acting, and, by our acting, we hinder the display of God's grace and power on our behalf. "Be still, and know that I am God," is a precept which naught save the power of divine grace can enable one to obey. "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil. 4:5, 65Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:5‑6). What will be the result of thus acting? "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." v. 7.
However, God graciously overrules our folly and weakness; and, while we are called upon to reap the fruits of our unbelieving and impatient ways, He takes occasion from them to teach our hearts still deeper lessons of His own tender grace and perfect wisdom. This, while it assuredly affords no warrant whatever for unbelief and impatience, does most wonderfully exhibit the goodness of our God, and comfort the heart even while we may be passing through the painful circumstances consequent upon our failure. God is above all; and, moreover, it is His special prerogative to bring good out of evil.