It is hard to square off in the face of suffering; put on a smile and walk directly into that storm. Nobody looks at suffering every time and says, “I would really like more of that!” Suffering is painful. It chips away at our resolve. It can rock our faith.
Ironically, it is the very tool that can strengthen our faith as well.
One of the things that predominantly sets apart those who thrive is the ability to stay in righteous intimacy with God throughout the duration of the test. This is when the hearts of the believers are steeled. They become patient, grow in character, and embody hope in the face of trial.
It’s another Wednesday for Saint Maria Faustina KoWalska (what else,) with a brief reflection on the Divine Mercy of God:
St. Faustina
“I see now that my deeds which have flowed from love are more perfect than those which I have done out of fear.” St. Faustina
838 + I marvel…Only God can give one such courage; otherwise one would give up. But I see with joy that all these adversities contribute to God’s greater glory. The Lord has few such souls. O infinite eternity, you will make manifest the efforts of heroic souls, because the earth rewards their efforts with hatred and ingratitude. Such souls do not have friends; they are solitary. (223) And in this solitude, they gain strength; they draw their strength from God alone. With humility, but also with courage, they stand firmly in the face of all the storms that beat upon them. Like high-towering oaks, they are unmoved. And in this there is just this one secret: that it’s from God that they draw this strength, and everything whatsoever they have need of, they have for themselves and for others. They not only carry their own burden, but also know how to take on, and are capable of taking on, the burdens of others. They are pillars of light along God’s ways; they live in light themselves and shed light upon others. They themselves live on the heights, and know how to show the way to lesser ones and help them attain those heights. -St. Faustina’s Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul
Father God, continue to strength those who fall under scrunity for walking in your light. Give them the fortitude to trust in the heart You have given them, that they may never sacrifice Your love for love of man! If they are misunderstood or persecuted give them the courage to draw nearer to You, finding comfort by trusting in Your ways…always. For although we may struggle to walk in your light, and darkness may try to over-shadow us; we know that You are the way, the truth, and the ever-lasting light. Use us in all ways to shine light upon YOU! Amen.
Photo courtesy of Legacy Junction.
hugs n’ blessings to all those heros who aim at greater heights!
hugsnblessings 