Skip to content

when I turn from church history and examine myself, I find…

“when I turn from church history and examine myself, I find that I too am vulnerable to the Temptation. I lack the willpower to resist shortcut solutions to human needs. I lack the patience to allow God to work in a slow, “gentlemanly” way. I want to seize control myself, to compel others to help…” quote by Philip Yancey
Download Open image
““when I turn from church history and examine myself, I find that I too am vulnerable to the Temptation. I lack the willpower to resist shortcut solutions to human needs. I lack the patience to allow God to work in a slow, “gentlemanly” way. I want to seize control myself, to compel others to help accomplish the causes I believe in. I am willing to trade away certain freedoms for the guarantee of safety and protection. I am willing to trade away even more for the chance to realize my ambitions.””

Philip Yancey

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author confesses personal weakness for quick fixes, preferring control and safety over patient, divine timing.

In simple terms: I struggle with impatience and desire control over God’s slow work.

Key Takeaway

Accept patience and trust divine timing.

Themes

faith patience control freedom

Mood

reflective confessional

Type

personal spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • decision making
  • leadership
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

temptation willpower spiritual growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can I cultivate patience in spiritual practice?
  • What freedoms am I willing to sacrifice for safety?
A Different Perspective

Quick solutions can undermine deeper growth and trust.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Philip Yancey

Explore all 351 Philip Yancey quotes

More Church history quotes

Browse all 54 Church history quotes