Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You ask for the rent money and for news of your applications, for your son to stop staying up so late, and for your health to improve. These are all natural cares of this present life, and our Lord knows you have need of such things. Yet consider how He teaches us not to be anxious, saying, "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them." Do you not matter more than they? If your husband delays the money, or if the applications are slow to be approved, is this not an occasion to learn patience and to put no trust in riches? For it is not the abundance of money that makes one rich, but the disposition to be content with what God provides. The poor man is not he who has nothing, but he who desires many things; the truly rich man stands in need of nothing. What if the rent is lacking for a time? Did not Elijah own only a sheepskin, and yet ravens fed him? The Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head, yet He lacked no good thing. Do not let the want of money disturb your soul; instead, pray for a generous heart that clings to the Provider and not to the provision. If it is His will, the money will come in due season; but if it is delayed, know that God often takes away earthly comforts to free us from slavery and to teach us that our true treasure is in heaven.
Concerning your son and his late nights: why does he remain awake so late? Is it idleness, or some harmful distraction? Do not deal with this lightly. A child left to his own ways brings shame to his mother. You have spiritual authority to guide him; use it with love and firmness. Remember how Paul, with the anxious care of a parent, instructed young Timothy not to let anyone despise him, but to be an example in conduct. So you also must train your son in the fear of the Lord. Set boundaries for him, and explain that this discipline is not from anger but for the good of his soul. Above all, pray for him without ceasing. And if he resists, consider Abraham: he held his son loosely, ready to offer him up at God’s command. Are you willing to entrust your son entirely to God, even when he does not obey your wishes? God may use these small trials to strengthen your faith and to sanctify both you and him.
As for your health, the body is a servant and not the master. There is nothing wrong with seeking relief; the Apostle himself told Timothy to use a little wine for his frequent infirmities. So use whatever lawful means are available, with thanksgiving. But do not let anxiety over bodily health overshadow the health of your soul. If God grants recovery, praise Him; if He permits weakness to continue, remember that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. Many saints have endured chronic illness and yet rejoiced in the Lord. Do not place your hope in physical vigor, but in the resurrection of the dead, when this corruptible shall put on incorruption.
Above all, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these earthly needs will be ordered according to His wisdom. You have called on Jesus; He hears. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him graciously give us every necessary thing? Cast your cares upon Him, but with a heart loosened from the love of this world. Continue in prayer and charity, and may your whole household be a haven of godliness and peace, pressing on toward the city that is to come.
Concerning your son and his late nights: why does he remain awake so late? Is it idleness, or some harmful distraction? Do not deal with this lightly. A child left to his own ways brings shame to his mother. You have spiritual authority to guide him; use it with love and firmness. Remember how Paul, with the anxious care of a parent, instructed young Timothy not to let anyone despise him, but to be an example in conduct. So you also must train your son in the fear of the Lord. Set boundaries for him, and explain that this discipline is not from anger but for the good of his soul. Above all, pray for him without ceasing. And if he resists, consider Abraham: he held his son loosely, ready to offer him up at God’s command. Are you willing to entrust your son entirely to God, even when he does not obey your wishes? God may use these small trials to strengthen your faith and to sanctify both you and him.
As for your health, the body is a servant and not the master. There is nothing wrong with seeking relief; the Apostle himself told Timothy to use a little wine for his frequent infirmities. So use whatever lawful means are available, with thanksgiving. But do not let anxiety over bodily health overshadow the health of your soul. If God grants recovery, praise Him; if He permits weakness to continue, remember that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. Many saints have endured chronic illness and yet rejoiced in the Lord. Do not place your hope in physical vigor, but in the resurrection of the dead, when this corruptible shall put on incorruption.
Above all, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these earthly needs will be ordered according to His wisdom. You have called on Jesus; He hears. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him graciously give us every necessary thing? Cast your cares upon Him, but with a heart loosened from the love of this world. Continue in prayer and charity, and may your whole household be a haven of godliness and peace, pressing on toward the city that is to come.
