Sanctification - Not a Walk in the Park

[LittleHamster]

(source: http://www.mysticsofthechurch.com/2010/ ... emons.html)

Quote ....."Having spent years studying the lives of dozens of Saints and Mystics for this website, one quickly discovers the role that God allows the demons to play for example in the lives of the mystic-saints. God Himself explains it when He said to St Gemma Galgani: “You will be trampled underfoot by the devils. Prepare yourself, my daughter, the demon at My orders will be the one that will add the last touch to my plan that I will accomplish in you, that is, your sanctification." "

"But the point is that literally every mystic that I have read have been assailed by the evil spirits through the express permission of God. But then, why would God allow the demons to attack the mystics or anyone for that matter? It is to draw us closer to Himself. God permits, at times, the devils to assail us, that we might turn to Him in prayer, with a renewed trust in His love and concern for us. The extraordinary priest St John Vianney, who's straw bed the devil tried to burn when he was sleeping in it, once remarked that "the devil is like a dog on a chain. He can only go so far as God permits." So the first rule to remember is that God is always in absolute control, and the devil can do nothing without God's permission."

[Philip]

Even the devil is completely under the leash and control of God - who uses him as a tool. The misery he causes does compel people to seek God. And he stands in stark contrast to the light of the Lord and the good things He wants for us. The devil also represents and presents a choice, that people become aware of good things and choices they can choose vs. evil ones. They can serve God or Satan. And Satan amplifies our need to choose God!

[1over137]

The title: Sanctification - Not a walk in the Park.

Yes guys, being a Christian is really not a walk in the park.
Currently am preparing for my next Church Prayers, which I now lead once a month (btw, can a woman lead this at Sunday Church? anyway...).
My topic I chose is personal faith, and for next prayers I decided for the topic "patience."
And hit this great page from GotQuestions: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-patience.html

And let me quote this for this thread: [underlining is mine]

First, we thank God. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6). Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes God puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.

Have all blessed Sunday,
Hana