Such hindrances, no matter how severe and insuperable they
may at first seem, can and should be effectively overcome through the combined
and sustained power of prayer and of determined and continued effort. For have
not Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá both repeatedly assured us that the Divine and
unseen hosts of victory will ever reinforce and strengthen those who valiantly
and confidently labour in their name? This assurance should indeed enable you to
overcome any feeling of unworthiness, of incapacity to serve, and any inner or
outer limitation which threatens to handicap your labours for the Cause. You
should therefore arise, and with a heart filled with joy and confidence
endeavour to contribute any share that is in your power toward the wider
diffusion and greater consolidation of our beloved Faith.
Whatever the particular field of service you may choose,
whether teaching or administrative, the essential is for you to persevere, and
not to allow any consciousness of your limitations to dampen your zeal, much
less to deter you from serving joyously and actively.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 6 February 1939 written
on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. II, Living the Life)
