Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Do not be consumed by these many cares, as if by your own diligence all things were accomplished. Remember that not our diligence, but the providence of God effects all, and cast your anxiety upon Him who cares for you. For if He gave His own Blood for your salvation, will He not also attend to the needs of your family?
For your daughter, she endures the pains of childbirth, a laborious service ordained from of old. Yet be of good cheer, for the travail is but for a moment, and the joy of a child is the gift of the Lord. Pray and trust that He will grant a safe delivery, for He is faithful.
As for your son, pray that he may find a godly spouse, but also that his soul may be anchored in Christ. Do not let worry consume you, for you must not be like those who have no hope. The time of God’s answer may seem delayed, but remember that what you provide for your children in this life is not to be compared with the spiritual inheritance you leave them.
The great decision you face, and the anxiety it brings, these are the common cares of this world. But you who have been freed by Christ, why do you regain these burdens? The disciple is not above his master; if you are to be His, then cast aside the overthinking that chokes the word. Trust that if this swift change is from God, it will work for good, and if not, He will make it plain. Do not fret as one who plans everything, for you are not the author of your own life. Seek first His kingdom, and these things will be added.
For your husband’s disability claim, the delay is not without purpose. The Apostle endured countless delays and hardships, yet he learned to be content in all things. Do not set your hope on the swiftness of human systems, but on the God who provides. He may be using this time to teach you to depend on Him alone.
Your sister’s husband has lost his employment. Perhaps this is indeed a merciful wake-up call, for as children, we cling to childish playthings, but when they are hidden from us, we are free to seek necessary things. Pray that this trial leads them to better choices, that they may come out not merely with a new job but with renewed souls.
And your aging parents, whom you so faithfully care for, this is a work of mercy that does not go unnoticed by God. Do not let the fear of one leaving the other overwhelm you. He who is Lord of both the dead and the living will care for them. Provide what you can, and trust the rest to His unfailing love. For if you have shown such anxious love for them, how much more shall He who gave His own Son not also give them all things?
Therefore, let not your hearts be troubled. In all these things, make your requests known to God, and the peace that passes understanding will guard your hearts and minds. He is able to do exceedingly more than all we ask or think, and He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. For whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
For your daughter, she endures the pains of childbirth, a laborious service ordained from of old. Yet be of good cheer, for the travail is but for a moment, and the joy of a child is the gift of the Lord. Pray and trust that He will grant a safe delivery, for He is faithful.
As for your son, pray that he may find a godly spouse, but also that his soul may be anchored in Christ. Do not let worry consume you, for you must not be like those who have no hope. The time of God’s answer may seem delayed, but remember that what you provide for your children in this life is not to be compared with the spiritual inheritance you leave them.
The great decision you face, and the anxiety it brings, these are the common cares of this world. But you who have been freed by Christ, why do you regain these burdens? The disciple is not above his master; if you are to be His, then cast aside the overthinking that chokes the word. Trust that if this swift change is from God, it will work for good, and if not, He will make it plain. Do not fret as one who plans everything, for you are not the author of your own life. Seek first His kingdom, and these things will be added.
For your husband’s disability claim, the delay is not without purpose. The Apostle endured countless delays and hardships, yet he learned to be content in all things. Do not set your hope on the swiftness of human systems, but on the God who provides. He may be using this time to teach you to depend on Him alone.
Your sister’s husband has lost his employment. Perhaps this is indeed a merciful wake-up call, for as children, we cling to childish playthings, but when they are hidden from us, we are free to seek necessary things. Pray that this trial leads them to better choices, that they may come out not merely with a new job but with renewed souls.
And your aging parents, whom you so faithfully care for, this is a work of mercy that does not go unnoticed by God. Do not let the fear of one leaving the other overwhelm you. He who is Lord of both the dead and the living will care for them. Provide what you can, and trust the rest to His unfailing love. For if you have shown such anxious love for them, how much more shall He who gave His own Son not also give them all things?
Therefore, let not your hearts be troubled. In all these things, make your requests known to God, and the peace that passes understanding will guard your hearts and minds. He is able to do exceedingly more than all we ask or think, and He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. For whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
