Several years ago we met Abigail Fox, a sweet young lady, in San Antonio, Texas who had traveled with her brother Daniel all the way from England because she entered a film in the first San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Their entry, about the life of Matthew Henry’s father Phillip, won first place in the documentary category. I was impressed with the closeness of the Fox family, who all contributed to Abigail’s film. They have continued to work together on films from their home in northwest England.

Now Abigail’s brother Joe is very ill. As I write he is headed to the hospital for surgery on a malignant tumor the size of a tennis ball, on his leg, and he will need a very large skin graft where it will be removed. This Christian family has a deep understanding of and trust in the sovereignty of God, but they would appreciate any prayers for a successful operation and for Joe’s healing, as well as strength as they make the daily difficult journey to the hospital during his recovery, and comfort for all while they deal with the sadness of missing a beloved brother while he’s “in hospital.”

When Abigail wrote to tell me of her brother’s illness and surgery, I immediately thought of a comforting passage I had just read in R.J. Rushdoony’s book The Cure of Souls. It was a quote from Bishop Thomas Wilson (1663-1755). This is what I sent her:

O God, who takest delight in helping the afflicted, help a soul too often distressed with an inward rebellion against Thy just appointments.

Who am I, that I should make exceptions against the Will of God, infinitely great, wise, and good?
My earnest desires, if granted, may prove my ruin.

The things I complain of and fear, may be the effects of the greatest mercy.

The disappointments I meet with, may be absolutely necessary for my eternal welfare. I do therefore protest against the sin and madness of desiring to have my will done, and not the will of God.

Grant, gracious Father, that I may never dispute the reasonableness of Thy will, but ever close with it, as the best that can happen.

Prepare me always for what Thy providence shall bring forth.

Let me never murmur, be dejected, or impatient, under any of the troubles of this life; but ever find rest and comfort in this, THIS IS THE WILL OF MY FATHER, AND OF MY GOD: this for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Those words were convicting to me and a strong comfort as I always both struggle with and marvel at God’s amazing and mysterious working in my life. I long to embrace both “good” and “bad” as His goodness and mercy toward me. It’s a lesson in which I have far to go. I know that the Fox family is a good example of trusting God in this way, and I knew that these words would be something that would be welcome to Abigail. What I didn’t know was the special providence of God in my sending them this encouragement from Bishop Wilson. Here is what Abigail wrote back to me:

We live just 2 miles from Burton where Bishop Wilson was born and where his ancestors lived for generations. We have passed “his” home for almost 20 years. When my Mum was very young and lived in this same area she went to “Bishop Wilson’s” school in Burton. Such a small coincidence, that you should send the words of this man, but a coincidence that really pleased our hearts tonight. I love walking to Burton – indeed, it is a hobby of we three siblings and will be the landmark of Joe’s recovery. I can now take those words with me. Thank you : )

Our Lord is so good and kind to us, that He reminds us of His presence with these precious gifts of letting us see His working in our lives. He is always there, He is always in control of each circumstance, and His will for us is always perfect. I praise God that the Foxes know Him as their Redeemer and Comforter, and I hope you will pray with me for them as they go through this trial together. It’s a very small world, and it’s a privilege to bear one another’s burdens as we are able.