We do not bear life's burdens alone; Jesus always provides
by Sister Agnes Fischer
Jesus never promised it would be easy to follow him.
“When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately."
This is no trivial denial of the struggles, the pain and agony of human life, or the catastrophic forces of nature. Jesus does not promise life without pain. Rather, he offers spiritual resources to cope with it. We need not fear that God has quit the field. We have witnessed on many occasions people rising to the occasion to help in times of tragedy.
“For I will give you a mouth and wisdom."
The opportunity to testify doesn’t require Jesus’ followers to know everything about why bad things happen to good people. Much Christian witness today takes place unheralded (think Covid and Ukraine). We bear witness to Christ anytime we bear adversity with grace.
“By your endurance you will win your lives."
If faced with persecution and/or death, how can we endure? It will help if we don’t assume that discipleship will be comfortable. What sustains us is the promise, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”
Spot on as usual. Thanks Aggie!