Monday, November 8, 2010

Tribulation

A quote from St. Francis de Sales:

"Considered in themselves, trials certainly cannot be loved, but looked at in their origin--that is, in God's Providence and ordaining will--they are worthy of unlimited love.......Tribulations considered in themselves are dreadful things; looked at in God's will , they are things of love and delight. Often have we felt disgust for remedies and medicines when a doctor or apothecary gives them to us, but when offered to us by some loved hand love conquers our loathing and we take them with joy. In fact, love either removes the harsh character of suffering or makes pleasant our experience of it."

"........Afflictions are like that. If we look at them apart from God's will, they are naturally bitter. If we consider them in that eternal good pleasure, we find them all gold and more lovely and precious than can be described."

Well, this is something to think about.....it is easier when I look back on a trial than when I am in one, however!

2 comments:

Lisa notes... said...

Yes, this is definitely something to think about. Excellent, excellent words. Who/what we view as the origin of our trials really can make all the difference in our attitudes about how we handle the trials. Thanks for sharing this. I'll have to copy it down and keep it.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I've missed reading your posts. Pray you are doing well. I've been wanting to ask you if you have read the book "Radical" by David Platt. You must read it if you have not. I think you will enjoy its challenges.