Christ Jesus, help me endure trials for the sake of discipline ...

 
Hebrews 12:4-15                                                        
 
As followers of Jesus, we are always in training –training to be like Jesus in heart, mind, soul and strength. When I undergo troubles and trials, it is easy to focus on my hardships and so lose sight of the disciplinary (not punishing!) benefits that training by trials has for my being. Like so much of society today I would rather run the other way when pain or uncertainty arise, and continue on in my pursuit of secure and comfortable happiness at all times, at all costs. But when like and athlete I endure, rather than run away from my troubles, my being strengthens and I become more able to ‘run the race set before me’. How am I to endure the difficult trials of my training? The writer of Hebrews tells [me] to lift up my drooping hands, strengthen my weak knees and make straight paths for my feet so that the parts of me that are lame or kinked by sin can be healed. Christ Jesus, help me endure trials for the sake of discipline.   
 
But I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and that you strengthen your brothers.   (Luke 22:32)
 
The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light.
St. John of the Cross  
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei