May the Lord bless you with peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 4th May 2021.
We read from Acts 14:19-28; and the Gospel from John 14:27-31.
Only an unbeliever gives up in time of pain and loss. Believer in Christ seeks for answers within maze of persecution, suffering and challenges. Yes, strength comes from God in times of pain and suffering, but we need to go through the tunnel of suffering.
St. Paul was beaten to death, yet he found meaning in his suffering to serve the Lord in a fruitful way. We may not accept by a group of people even within our families, friends and in our working situations. There are many others ready to love, care, encourage and walk with us to achieve our goals and aims in life. It is a way we move on towards the areas and people we have not yet given a try in loving and serving. Failures and pain are not just crisis for us to cry over but to cross over to the other banks of the shores. Jesus awaits in a side we least prepared to meet Him to take a new look, venture, and endeavour. It is not a time to break down wherever we are in our life. God opens millions of doors of faith when we are bold to move out of pain, loss and suffering gracefully. When Jews hesitated to accept the Gospel, the apostles move towards the regions of the non-Jews.
If something is not working in our life, we need to explore the ways to make it work for the better.
For this courageous endeavour we are willing make, Jesus promises peace. Parting blessing of Jesus was peace to the disciples. When we break-free from our prejudices, conditions, fear, we experience peace of the risen Christ.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (Jn.14:27). We are all entitled to peace promised by the Lord. There is nothing to fear when the Risen Lord is near, and rear. We have not explored the other options in our lives enough when we are hit hard and trample down the feet of the evil. The Holy Spirit dwells in us so let us courageous go forward with hope in the Lord. Have a peaceful day. God bless you.