At home I have a religious plaque on which is written:
“Understanding is the reward of faith.
Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe but believe that you may understand
(St Augustine).”
Until recently, I thought it meant that I overcame challenges through faith and received understanding at the end. Hopefully instantly 🙂 Or after a period of waiting, say a month or year! Or longer! Nope!
But right now it isn’t working. And I’ve realised that it hasn’t worked for a very long time!
In essence, I have no guarantee whatsoever that faith given will receive understanding. Even if the challenge is met or not. Ever. What I must accept (with difficulty) is to have faith anyway and accept that I may not receive any understanding at all. Ever. And accept that the challenge may not be met. Ever. Ouch!
And once the challenge is overcome what I do I get? Another test. Another challenge! And that is the pattern.
I find that such quotes can only be tested through their context. Therefore, I hope this helps you. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf107.iii.xxx.html?highlight=understanding%20is%20the%20reward%20of%20faith#highlight
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Christopher, I checked the reference and found it really insightful! I am a little wiser! Thank you.
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