Trust in God - she will provide.

"Trust in God - she will provide." — These words of Emmeline Pankhurst, a fierce champion of women’s rights, resonate with a profound and timeless truth: that in the midst of struggle, hardship, and uncertainty, faith in the Divine is the source of strength, hope, and provision. Pankhurst, who fought tirelessly for the suffrage of women, understood that there are moments in life when human effort alone cannot carry us through; it is in these times that we must place our trust in something greater than ourselves. Her words suggest not just a passive belief but an active faith in the Divine will — one that will provide for us even when we feel most vulnerable.

The ancient wisdom of the Greeks often spoke of the importance of trust and faith in the divine order of the universe. Plato, in his dialogues, emphasized that the soul must be aligned with the higher good and truth, trusting that the universe, though often filled with hardship, ultimately has a divine purpose. For Plato, the life of virtue was one lived in harmony with this higher order — trusting that even in adversity, the Divine would guide those who sought to live rightly. Similarly, Pankhurst’s words echo this ancient idea — that by placing our trust in God, we align ourselves with a cosmic force that transcends our immediate struggles and provides us with the resources we need to persevere.

The ancient Romans, too, were familiar with the idea of trusting in divine providence, particularly in times of war and personal sacrifice. The phrase "Fides", meaning faith or trust, was a central concept in Roman religion. To have Fides was to have a trust in the gods that extended beyond the immediate circumstances of life. It was a belief that no matter how challenging life became, the gods would provide a way forward. The Roman general Scipio Africanus, during the Second Punic War, exemplified this trust in divine providence. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, Scipio believed that the gods would aid him, and through faith, he found victory against Hannibal's army. Like Scipio, Pankhurst believed that when one trusts in God, even the most daunting battles can be overcome.

One of the most powerful examples of divine provision comes from the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose non-violent resistance was rooted in an unwavering faith that God would provide, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Gandhi’s belief in satyagraha, or the force of truth, was not just a political strategy but a spiritual practice. He trusted that, through peaceful resistance and faith in the divine, he would be able to lead India to independence from British rule. Even when imprisoned and enduring great hardship, Gandhi found strength in his trust that God’s will would be done, and that provision would come, not through force, but through steadfast commitment to truth and non-violence. Gandhi’s story serves as a living testament to Pankhurst's words — that when one trusts in God, provision comes in ways that transcend human effort and expectation.

Pankhurst’s quote, while rooted in her own personal faith and struggle for women’s rights, also speaks to a universal truth about the power of faith. In her time, as women struggled for equality, it was easy to become overwhelmed by the weight of societal injustice and oppression. Yet Pankhurst knew that the fight for justice was not only a matter of human struggle but also of divine guidance. Her call to trust in God was not a call to passivity, but to active faith — a faith that sustains the soul and provides strength in the face of adversity. Just as Gandhi trusted that God would provide, so too did Pankhurst place her faith in the Divine to provide the wisdom, courage, and strength necessary to carry on the fight for justice.

The lesson from Pankhurst’s words is one of profound hope and trust. In our own lives, when we face challenges — whether they be personal, political, or spiritual — we must remember that trusting in God is not about waiting passively for things to change, but about having the faith that, no matter how difficult the road, God will provide the strength, wisdom, and resources needed to move forward. It is a call to action, to place our trust in a divine order that surpasses our understanding and to know that we are not alone in our struggles. Faith empowers us to move through life with a deep sense of purpose and peace, knowing that God's provision is greater than our own limitations.

Therefore, let us take Pankhurst’s message to heart: trust in God, and know that, even in the darkest times, God will provide. In moments of doubt, we must remember that the Divine is at work, guiding us toward what is true and good. Just as Gandhi and Pankhurst trusted in the divine to guide their movements, we too can find strength in this faith. Let us carry this trust with us through every struggle, knowing that no matter the obstacles we face, God’s provision is always there, and with it comes the strength to overcome. In trusting in God, we align ourselves with a higher purpose and a divine provision that will guide us toward victory.