St John Chrysostom talks to us today about suffering in A Year with the Church Fathers. He makes it very clear that we should be concerned about our lives if we're experiencing nothing but smooth sailing.
If we're following Jesus, we're going to encounter trouble. Jesus made this clear. "Don't be surprised when the world hates you", He said. "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart... I have overcome the world," He told us. So if you're facing trouble today, be glad. You're going the right direction.
Like the saying goes, dead fish go downstream. It takes a fighting live fish to go the other way.
Are you having a rough time of it right now? Ask Him for help. When Jesus had to face torture and death, He prayed. Even though the difficult time wasn't taken away, angels were sent to encourage and strengthen Him. If HE got that encouragement, don't you think He will send it to you?
God, thanks for reminding us that troubles are not unusual in the Christian life: they're par for the course.
1 comment:
Amen
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