Daily Thought For April 9, 2014 (Encouragement)

-
Encouragement 

1 Thessalonians 5:14: "And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them." 

But how can I encourage anyone when I myself need encouragement? 

Padre Pio's assurance: "Do not be discouraged or frightened by your miseries and weaknesses, because God has seen even worse sins in you, and, by his mercy did not reject you. God does not reject poor sinners, and he will not reject you either, but on the contrary, he will grant you his grace, and will erect the throne of his glory on your misery and vileness. Therefore, do not fear and do not be anxious anymore about the doubts of your conscience because fear is in vain and diabolical. Don't worry if your brothers and sisters don't want to listen to you; correct them always and don't worry about anything else." 

"Lift up your heart. Do not become discouraged in the face of the trials to which divine mercy wishes to subject you. He wants to test and strengthen you once again at the school of sacrifice and suffering. Do not become discouraged. Pray with humility, and remember the calm after the rain; after the darkness, light; after the storm and the turmoil, placid quiet."

Lord, thank you for the encouragement. Help me to always pass it on to others, assuring them of the calm that will follow their storm. Amen. 

from Padre Pio's Words of Hope edited by Eileen Dunn Bertanzetti p.52

Popular posts from this blog

February 10, 2018

-
Giving God Permission          If you want a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, give God a blank check. Decide in your heart that you want whatever he wants for you, no matter what it is. Don’t put limits on him. Be willing to come out of your comfort zones and the grooves you’ve dug to ensure your safety, comfort, and security. Tell the Lord every morning that your life is his and that you give him permission to do with it whatever he wants. Then walk throughout your day with one ear turned toward the Spirit. Don’t leave the Spirit at home or in church. Be conscious of his presence; attempt to listen even amidst the noise and frantic pace of life. When you hear him, or sense his prompting or gentle nudge, act on it. Don’t hesitate, do what he wants you to do. If you do this consistently, the Spirit will become your intimate friend and he will make something beautiful out of your life.       Pope Joh...
Read more