Stand Firm
Stand firm, as does an anvil which is beaten. It is the part of a noble athlete to be wounded, and yet to conquer. And especially, we ought to bear all things for the sake of God, that [God] also may bear with us, and bring us into the kingdom. Add more and more to [your] diligence; run [your] race with increasing energy; weigh carefully the times.
While [you are] here, be a conqueror; for here is the course, and there are the crowns. Look for Christ, the Son of God; who was before time, yet appeared in time; who was invisible by nature, yet visible in the flesh; who was impalpable, and could not be touched, as being without a body, but for our sakes became such, might be touched and handled in the body; who was impassible as God, but became passible for our sakes as [a human]; and who in every kind of way suffered for our sakes.
—Saint Ignatius
Epistle to Polycarp
In his letter to Polycarp, Ignatius imparts wisdom to his brother in the Lord along with encouragement. Ignatius wrote it when he was approaching death so this letter carried the weight of seasoned wisdom from a great man of God who realizes his end is near and does not have time to waste words. The poignant lesson? “Stand firm, as does an anvil which is beaten. It is the part of a noble athlete to be wounded, and yet to conquer.” The labor is great. The reward is greater still, and most importantly, yet to come. I pray Ignatius’ words encourage your heart for whatever battles await you today. Endure in faith, trusting God to keep His promises to you and to receive you in loving arms with the words, ‘Well done my faithful servant!’ —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics