Chapter 5: Spiritual Combat, Vigilance and Discernment

An essential condition for progress in discernment is a growing understanding of God’s patience and his timetable which are never our own. God does not pour down fire upon those who are unfaithful or allow the zealous to uproot the tares growing among the wheat. Generosity too is demanded, for “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Discernment is not about discovering what more we can get out of this life but about recognizing how we can better accomplish the mission entrusted to us at our baptism. This entails a readiness to make sacrifices, even to sacrificing everything. For happiness is a paradox.

When in God’s presence we examine our life’s journey, no areas can be off limits. In all aspects of life we can continue to grow and offer something greater to God even in those areas we find most difficult. We need, though, to ask the Holy Spirit to liberate us and to expel the fear that makes us ban him from certain parts of our lives.