I plainly felt that, had God given me such a retirement with the
I plainly felt that, had God given me such a retirement with the companion I desired, I should have forgotten the work for which I was born and have set up my rest in this world.
Hear the solemn confession of John Wesley, who declared: “I plainly felt that, had God given me such a retirement with the companion I desired, I should have forgotten the work for which I was born and have set up my rest in this world.” In these words shines the struggle between earthly longing and divine calling, the tension between the comfort of love and the duty of mission.
He speaks of retirement, that sweet vision of rest and quiet with a cherished companion. Yet even as his heart longed for such peace, he discerned the danger it carried—the temptation to forget the higher work to which God had appointed him. For the soul, when satisfied with earthly rest, may lose sight of eternal labor, trading purpose for comfort.
Wesley knew he was born for a greater calling: to preach, to labor, to carry the gospel flame across the nations. To surrender that mission for the ease of worldly companionship would have been, in his own eyes, a betrayal of divine trust. Thus he confessed that God’s denial of such rest was also a gift—preserving him for the path he was destined to walk.
This is the wisdom of surrender: that what is withheld may guard us from forgetting our purpose. The rest in this world, though sweet, is fleeting; the labor of heaven endures forever. Wesley’s words remind us that true fulfillment lies not in comfort alone, but in remaining faithful to the task given by God.
Therefore, O seekers, learn this: the heart may long for ease and companionship, yet the soul is called to a greater work. Do not despise what is denied you, for it may be the very thing that keeps you steadfast in your purpose. In Wesley’s confession, we hear the ancient truth—that man was not made for rest alone, but for service, and that eternal rest is found only beyond this world. Would you like me to shape this into a parable of the pilgrim offered shelter, who must choose between comfort and his holy mission?
VTVy Tran
This quote from John Wesley challenges the idea that comfort and companionship are the end goal of life. What happens when our desires for rest and peace distract us from the work we are meant to do? It makes me wonder: how many of us have ever considered that our true purpose might require sacrifice, struggle, or ongoing effort? How do we balance the need for rest with the necessity of pursuing our greater purpose?
JHJanng Huong
Wesley’s reflection is intriguing—he suggests that if he had everything he wanted, he might lose sight of his mission in life. It’s a reminder that rest and comfort, while appealing, could ultimately distract us from what we’re called to do. How much of our focus in life is driven by seeking ease and pleasure rather than embracing the work that might challenge us or push us beyond our comfort zone?
NUChuc thi ngoc uyen
This quote by John Wesley speaks volumes about the conflict between personal desires and higher callings. It’s so easy to think that rest and companionship are the ultimate goals in life, but Wesley’s words suggest that fulfilling our purpose requires more. How often do we think we’re working toward contentment, only to realize it’s leading us away from what we were truly meant to do? How can we balance rest with the work that gives our lives meaning?
HQHa Quang
John Wesley’s quote really made me reflect on the tension between rest and purpose. It's fascinating how he acknowledges that, if given everything he desired, he might lose sight of his true calling. How often do we get caught up in seeking comfort or retirement, thinking it’s the ultimate goal, only to realize that it distracts us from our deeper purpose? Could it be that true fulfillment comes not from rest, but from continuous growth and service?