June 19

strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. — Acts 14:22 BSB

The best things in life often come out of wounding. Wheat must be crushed before it becomes bread. Incense must be thrown into the fire before its fragrance is released. The ground must be broken by the plow before it can be planted with seeds. A broken heart pleases God. The sweetest joys in life are often the fruits of sorrow. It seems that suffering is necessary for human nature to be shaped into a blessing for the world.