Popular culture often rewards the wealthy with fame and power. Sometimes, it seems like we love the rich and famous more than we love God. Yet, our Christian faith invites us to celebrate the countercultural Cross, that suffering and humility are pathways to holiness, to deep wisdom.
Consider the words from the psalmist above. Would you say that your afflictions have been good for you because they have helped you to learn God’s ways? I’ll speak for myself. When I’ve been hurt it’s not easy for me to see the goodness. Usually, I need to move through grief in order to acknowledge that my hardships offer grace. Humility helps me learn. I learn how I am powerless, weak and dependent on God. I learn that God’s ways are better than my own. God’s grace frees me. It’s better to follow Jesus. After all, Christ’s glorious Cross and resurrection point to the best rewards, like the power of love.

Amen. :)

Lord help us all trust in your ways and we then can find peace with you in our hearts Amen Amen Amen

Amen

Amen, Sr Julia! ******* Afflictions and sufferings are ways to go from knowing God to seeing God in Job 42:5, “My ears had heard about You. But now my own eyes have seen You!” *** Romans 5:2-5, “Through faith in Jesus we have received God’s grace. In that grace we stand. We are full of joy because we expect to share in God’s glory. And that’s not all. We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. And...
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"Jesus, help me to trust in You." Amen!