Peace does not dwell in outward things, but within the soul; we may preserve it in the midst of the bitterest pain, if our will remains firm and submissive. Peace in this life springs from acquiescence to, not in an exemption from, suffering.
--Pere Francois de Fenelon
This is very poignant.
ReplyDeleteI agree, we cannot find peace in exemption from suffering, nor in rebellion against suffering. Even acquiescence isn't enough, a lot hangs on the motive for our acquiescence, for love of God, in conformity to the acquiescence of Christ.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning this SO slowly. So often my own efforts at acquiescence are more out of weariness and discouragement than love for God.
Greetings and blessings to you both, Kindred Spirit and Hannah.
Greetings back to you, Robert. I do miss your blog. About this idea of finding peace through suffering, this is not an easy concept to grasp. It almost makes no sense. When you suffer, you do not have peace. And yet .......... I suppose we could write a ton of posts on this idea alone!
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