Anticipating distress and difficulty in the path of spiritual growth

This is an intelligent juxtaposition of two Baha'í writings by Mitko on his thoughtful blog Befriended Stranger.

 

Calamity and growth

Posted: 15 Mar 2009 02:21 PM PDT

51. O SON OF MAN!
My calamity is My providence, outwardly it is fire and vengeance, but inwardly it is light and mercy. Hasten thereunto that thou mayest become an eternal light and an immortal spirit. This is My command unto thee, do thou observe it.

(Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)

When a person becomes a Baha'i, actually what takes place is that the seed of the spirit starts to grow in the human soul. This seed must be watered by the outpourings of the Holy Spirit. These gifts of the spirit are received through prayer, meditation, study of the Holy Utterances and service to the Cause of God…. Naturally there will be periods of distress and difficulty, and even severe tests, but if that person turns firmly toward the divine Manifestation, studies carefully His spiritual teachings and receives the blessings of the Holy Spirit, he will find that in reality these tests and difficulties have been the gifts of God to enable him to grow and develop.

(From a letter dated 6 October 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)