This podcast (12 minutes) contains and is based on most of "On the Loss of All Comfort" (Book 2, Chapter 9).

Click on the arrow to play the podcast, or you can use the "download" icon to download the podcast (if available). You can also right click here, in order to save the audio file and listen later.

Scripture: Phil 4:11-13; Ps 30:6-8,10-11; Job 7:18; Rev 2:7.

Practical application:
(1) Don't allow ourselves to lose faith or perspective just because we are going through hard times.
(2) Don't allow ourselves to lose faith or perspective just because we are going through long, extended, hard times when we feel despair.
(3) Let's not portray ourselves to insiders (fellow pilgrims) or to outsiders as though we have never struggled with temptation, wavered in zeal, or felt the "withdrawal of divine favor." 

Thomas à Kempis was a realist, as well as an idealist. His example is well worth emulating.
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Personal sharing:Person.

Next: "On Bearing Injustices" (Book 3, Chapter 19 -- original title: Bearing Injuries is the Proof of True Patience") and "On Christ's Obedience to the Father" (Book 3, Chapter 13).