Finding Christ in Jane Eyre

“…it is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be required to bear” ~ Charlotte Bronte

I have recently found myself working my way through the incredible literary masterpiece, Jane Eyre. This book is mournfully sad, yet, time and time again you find characters who seem to lift your, and “Jane Eyre” spirit.

Jane Eyre was a fiery, abused young women, rightfully struggling with forgiveness for those who have neglected her. Nonetheless, time and time again, she meets those who humbly remind her that God has expectations and a purpose for Jane Eyre, despite her sad past and frightening future.

Through numerous allusions and references to Hell, Heaven, and Christian duty, we see a truthful reality:

The world will crumble at times around us and the pressure will be immense, but we are not immune to these struggles.

Above we find a quote from a friend, Eyre briefly could know, until her shocking death. She reminds Eyre that her trials of faith, are required of her to face (James 1:3).

This quote took my mind to these places in Scripture:

2 Timothy 3:12 ~ “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

&

1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

All Christians will suffer persecution and God is faithful to guard your hearts through trial, temptation, and affliction even though our Earthly ailments relocate our eyes from our Heavenly inheritance.

We all have strife to bear, but we have a Christ strong enough to take it from us as well. There is Jesus who gives you joy to smile when it is not time for the trial to end. You have a spiritual nametag of (more than) overcomer that Satan will see and tremble knowing that you are Christ’s and He is yours.

So put off that which is weak and silly, there is much ahead with much behind.
God bless!