How to be (Un)Successful: An unlikely guide to human flourishing

by Pete Portal

Hope and anger are not opposed to each other, as a quote often attributed to St Augustine reminds us: ‘Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.’

There is a mystery to God’s activity in the world. Sometimes we see visible results, other times we don’t. But this should never stop us trying. Unanswered questions, confusing delays, sadness or frustration – none of this precludes the power of God at work. The point is that even when God is active, he’s not just working for us but working in us too.

Suffering is deeply connected to glory. And glory is a success of which the world knows nothing.

God’s glory is God’s holiness on public display – the visible, discernible beauty of God’s goodness and perfection.