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Elder Efraim of Arizona-Never lose your courage

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25. Yes, my child, Jesus alone will become everything to you. Put your trust in Him Who said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 1 Never lose your courage. Always stand tall with Jesus as your boast and with your nothingness as your pride. When the devil raises you high, humble yourself and bring yourself down below the earth through self-reproach; when he brings you down to hell, to despair, fly to the heaven of God’s grace and love—this is the game you should play with him. Do not fear him; you have put on Christ; you are the inheritance of Christ; you have been enrolled with the saints. You still have much to go through to show the measure of your love towards Him to Whom you have devoted yourself. Do not accept any thoughts of pride suggested by Satan, but constantly criticize yourself, for that evil rascal has defiled us with disgraceful passions, so how can we be proud? We need weeping and a river of tears to wash away our filth and sores. Bear in mind the humility of the crucified Lord: “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 2 Only by achieving true humility shall we find tranquility and peace in the tempestuous state of our soul. —- 1 Deut. 31:6 2 Mt. 11:29

 

p. 398 to 400,

 

 

 

 

From the book

Councels from the Holy mountain

Selected from the letters and homilies of Elder Efraim of Arizona

Selection of passages from the book by Silviu Podariu

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elder Efraim of Arizona-Never lose your courage