Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Henri Nouwen on "Critical Events"

Critical Events Can Reveal Divine Purpose

Life is God's initiative and can end or change suddenly, unexpectedly, and unpredictably. When we humans are ready to give up hope and resign ourselves to inevitability, God intervenes and reveals completely new beginnings. The resurrection of Jesus is God's sign breaking through every form of human fatalism and despair. In every critical event, there is an opportunity for God to act creatively and reveal a deeper truth than what we see on the surface of things. God also can turn around critical incidents and seemingly hopeless situations in our lives and reveal light in darkness. ~Henri Nouwen

(Note: I found this to be encouraging to me as I struggle with this abrupt turn in my life. I sometimes feel like my whole world has been turned upside down and no longer makes any sense - I persistently feel like I don't know who I am anyore. I have to hold on to the idea that there must be a divine purpose in this "critical event" even though I cannot see it.  If you like Nouwen's "Daily Meditations" you can sign up for them at the web site honoring his life and writings. ~J.H.)

No comments:

Post a Comment