Patient trust

“If we patiently accept through love all that God allows to happen, then we will begin to taste even here on earth something of the delights the saints experienced in heaven.”                                                                                                                                                                                                    St. Jane Frances De Chantal

     When I read quotes like this, I feel as though I still have much to do to advance in my walk with God. I feel challenged enough in trying to accept, through love, all that God allows to happen, but to do it with patience, is usually beyond me!

     If we could only recognize the presence of God in all of life’s happenings, our lives would be transformed. But no, we are more like the apostles, in our little boat, being tossed about by the wind and the waves. We are frightened and at times, even terrified, when the storms in our lives come pressing down upon us. 

     Instead of recognizing Christ’ presence in our midst, we think He has deserted us. But He assures us with the words, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Mt. 14 vs. 27). Doubting, like St. Peter, we reply, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Mt. 14 vs. 28). Again like Peter, we begin to walk, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, but all too soon, we allow the storm, to once again, overcome us and we start to sink.

     But Jesus is right there, stretching His hand to lift us above our fears, even though He is saddened by our lack of faith and trust in Him.

     Our God loves us more than anyone, and will not allow anything to happen without supplying the necessary grace to enable us to walk through it – but we must believe this in the core of our being if we are ever going to be able to begin to live it.

     Feel certain, that St. Jane had to grow into this heroic faith and trust in God, as did the saints who went before and after her. As each storm appeared in her life, she improved, little by little, by recognizing her weakness and relying on the grace of God. She remembered God’s unfailing love for her and was lifted up by His faithful presence. When Jane came to accept, patiently, through love, she was able to taste the delights the saints experienced in heaven.

     When we KNOW God’s love and return it fully, we will come to see all that He allows is for our good. Then like St. Jane, with patient trust, we will begin to taste the delights of heaven.