Church History – Heroes of Faith: Julian of Norwich
In the late 14th century, in the shadow of plague, suffering, and loss, God raised up a voice of hope through an unlikely vessel—Julian of Norwich. Born in 1342, Julian became an anchoress, choosing to live a life of solitude and prayer, offering spiritual counsel from her cell. Though her life was marked by the devastating bubonic plague and personal illness, her legacy shines through her powerful visions and writings in Revelations of Divine Love—the first book in English known to be written by a woman.
Visions of Love in the Midst of Suffering
At the age of 30, Julian fell gravely ill and experienced 16 visions centered on Christ’s divine love. These visions radically shaped her theology and calling, anchoring her in a message that would bring comfort and hope to countless others. She spent the next 20 years reflecting, praying, and expanding her revelations, coming to understand that being in union with God is not only transformative—it is the very heartbeat of hope.
Her most famous words, “Because of Jesus, all will be well,” echo across centuries, reminding us that even in suffering, God’s love holds us steady.
Hope That Transforms
Julian’s story mirrors the truth of Scripture:
Romans 8:18-19, 23-25, 28, 35-39 tells us that while suffering is real, it is never the end. Glory is coming. Redemption is on the way. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Like Julian, we are reminded that hope is not just wishful thinking, but trust in God to work all things for good—even through pain.
Her words point us back to the heart of the gospel: God’s love is not fragile or conditional—it is unbreakable. The powers of this world may try to silence us or convince us we are beyond hope, but the cross stands as the eternal testimony that God’s love has already secured the final word: redemption.
Why Her Life Matters Today
Julian’s life encourages us to trust in God’s love even when life feels unbearable. She teaches us to see suffering not as a barrier but as a place where God’s grace can meet us. She reminds us that God’s love is fierce, faithful, and constant.
And perhaps most importantly, she reminds us that because of Jesus—all will be well.
✨ Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to remind yourself that "all will be well" because of Christ?
🙏 Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your unfailing love even in seasons of suffering. Remind me that You are working all things together for good and that because of Jesus, I can live with hope. Amen.