Posted by
EFuller on Thursday, August 23, 2007 9:06:51 PM
The recent publication of
Mother Teresa's private letters reveals she struggled for years with sensing the presence of God in her life. Though this fact may lead some to ridicule her, my respect has grown.
To see the sacrificial service Mother Teresa gave to the poor causes wonder. What motivated her? Rather than flowing from a sublime mystical experience of God's presence, it now seems apparent her action flowed from a heart parched dry by the lack of spiritual experience. What faith to remain so dedicated when even the spiritual experiences were so meager!
Many today serve God because if feels good. They seek a church with a good "worship experience." They chase "spiritual highs." Many are the spiritual equivalent of teenagers -- acting correctly only when they feel like it. Has the biblical concept of faith been lost?
Job is not remembered because he experienced ecstasy. His is the story of faithfulness in the midst of grief, suffering and loss. Though he questioned why he experienced such pain, he never cursed or rejected God. The faithful listed in Hebrews 11 are honored because they continued to serve God even though they experienced challenges, trials and death.
The fact that Mother Teresa struggled spiritually and yet remained true to her service to God makes her life all the more remarkable. Her example challenges us to serve God regardless of the "spiritual high" we may experience.