At the moment, we are not persecuted for our faith. But other times will come. Until then, we must face other difficulties. So many things happen to us that we are likely to think we are worse off than any martyr. For we live in a time when misery and stress through sickness, poverty, anguish of mind, family difficulties, and other torments seem to increase in a frightful way.
Instead of enduring and waiting patiently, some are troubled by the thought that they are out of God’s favor, since they have such a hard time. The words of the apostle James are the only advice for all whose wishes God does not respond to: “We consider blessed those who have persevered” (James 5:11).
Mark my words: we do not count as happy those who have a good life on earth, but those who endure. We also do not count as happy those who lack patience and endurance.
Remember, you too will be called blessed if you have endured, patiently endured. Let us therefore hold out courageously. That will be the best for you, you weak, weary, suffering pilgrims! In any event, you need not bear it alone.
Johann Christoph Blumhardt, from He Sent His Word.
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