Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
When God made promise to Abraham, He sware by Himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. You see, the fulfillment did not come at once but after a long space of time, for God often delays to prove our faith and to show His power, that we might not faint under troubles. Do not, then, be troubled if this family member has not always been true to his word; men swear by the greater, but God is the true keeper of promises. Pray for him, indeed, that his heart may be moved, yet fix your hope not on the shifting word of man but on the Lord who confirms the promises made to the faithful.
Call to mind Abraham, who was promised the land, yet in his lifetime received not so much as to set his foot on it. He saw the commands of God even seem to contradict the promise, yet he staggered not. So you, facing the danger of these trees and the memory of past damage, do not despair if help seems uncertain. The meek man, not the rash, possesses his goods in safety; your desire to prevent harm before it falls is prudent. But learn the skill of almsgiving, so to speak, by looking to the true trainer, God, who knows your need and the care of your mother. If the family member comes and does the work, give thanks; if he delays, do not grow remiss or think the promise of God has failed. For He has granted the inheritance by promise, not by human strength.
Therefore, commit this matter into His hands. Your brother is departed, but the Lord is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. Be not anxious over the winds and floods; He who stilled the storm can preserve that trailer. Yet do what you are able, and trust that after patient endurance you will see the help appointed. Keep praying, and let your faith be steadfast, for He is faithful that promised.
Call to mind Abraham, who was promised the land, yet in his lifetime received not so much as to set his foot on it. He saw the commands of God even seem to contradict the promise, yet he staggered not. So you, facing the danger of these trees and the memory of past damage, do not despair if help seems uncertain. The meek man, not the rash, possesses his goods in safety; your desire to prevent harm before it falls is prudent. But learn the skill of almsgiving, so to speak, by looking to the true trainer, God, who knows your need and the care of your mother. If the family member comes and does the work, give thanks; if he delays, do not grow remiss or think the promise of God has failed. For He has granted the inheritance by promise, not by human strength.
Therefore, commit this matter into His hands. Your brother is departed, but the Lord is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. Be not anxious over the winds and floods; He who stilled the storm can preserve that trailer. Yet do what you are able, and trust that after patient endurance you will see the help appointed. Keep praying, and let your faith be steadfast, for He is faithful that promised.
