# XXIX explained — The Imitation of Christ > Chapter companion for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. ## What happens The chapter teaches that in times of tribulation, one must call upon God and bless His name, acknowledging that suffering is deserved and that deliverance comes through humble reliance on divine grace. ## Themes in this chapter ### Suffering and the Cross The chapter centers on bearing tribulation patiently, seeing it as a means of being humbled and glorifying God. ### Grace and Divine Dependence The disciple acknowledges inability to escape trouble without God's help and calls upon His omnipotent arm for deliverance. ## Character check-ins ### The Disciple The speaker who cries out in tribulation and seeks God's help. ### God the Father Addressed as 'O dear Father' and 'Lord my God', the one who delivers and comforts. ### Jesus Christ Referenced indirectly through the quotation 'Save me from this hour, but for this cause came I unto this hour' (John 12:27). ## Key lines > Blessed be thy name, O Lord, forevermore, who hast willed this temptation and trouble to come upon me. I praise you, Lord, for allowing this trial to happen to me. _The disciple blesses God even in the midst of suffering, acknowledging divine sovereignty._ > I cannot escape it, but have need to flee unto Thee, that Thou mayest succour me and turn it unto me for good. I cannot avoid this trouble, so I must run to you for help, trusting you to make it beneficial for me. _Expresses total dependence on God for deliverance and transformation of suffering._ > Lord, Thy will be done. I have well deserved to be troubled and weighed down. Lord, let your will happen. I deserve this suffering. _The disciple submits to God's will and accepts tribulation as just._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxix - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters