Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Do not suppose that a great and startling miracle alone testifies to the favor of God. For what manner of miracle did Job work in the very sight of the devil, that the enemy was amazed at him? No miracle indeed, but a life that shone and displayed an endurance firmer than any adamant. The care of practice, and the love of virtue, this is greater than the working of wonders. It is a far greater miracle when a man is drawn to God without signs and prodigies. For the wonders, except we be sober, do even harm in many cases, puffing up the soul or directing its aim toward the glory that comes from men.
Therefore, in this season where you await a door to open, do not fix your hope on an outward marvel alone. The God who knows your need did not always show forth His power first by a miracle, but often prevailed through the steadfastness of the believer’s mind. For as the Preacher was not hindered though his body was in bonds, so your present want of a position does not bind the providence of God from running its course. The tongue of the faithful is not bound, nor is the life of virtue stayed; by these the journey is supported, and by these the miracle is often wrought in the heart before it is seen in the circumstance. Let your life and your trust during this waiting display an endurance firmer than adamant, and this will be the beginning of greater works. God knows.
Therefore, in this season where you await a door to open, do not fix your hope on an outward marvel alone. The God who knows your need did not always show forth His power first by a miracle, but often prevailed through the steadfastness of the believer’s mind. For as the Preacher was not hindered though his body was in bonds, so your present want of a position does not bind the providence of God from running its course. The tongue of the faithful is not bound, nor is the life of virtue stayed; by these the journey is supported, and by these the miracle is often wrought in the heart before it is seen in the circumstance. Let your life and your trust during this waiting display an endurance firmer than adamant, and this will be the beginning of greater works. God knows.
