Oct 26.99: Light For The Day - "The Blessing Of Suffering"

"Happy are those who are persecuted because
they do what God requires; the kingdom of
heaven belongs to them!"
-- Matthew 5:10 (TEV)

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O my God, you alone can perceive the depths
of our weakness; and you alone can heal us. 
Turn our eyes continually to you, our all-powerful 
Father, and to your Son, our example
in courageous suffering. 

He was nailed to the cross, so we might learn that
suffering can be turned into a blessing. We long
for physical comfort and bodily pleasure; so when
we gaze on your Son, his body wracked with pain,
we shudder at such a terrifying sight. 

Yet when we see him rise again in glory, we know
that the nails which fixed Him to the cross were
also used to fashion the gate of eternal life.

Help us never again to fear suffering, but only to
fear sin. Give us the courage to embrace such
suffering as you send us, in the sure and certain
knowledge of your eternal bliss.

-- Fenelon

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"My brothers and sisters, when you have many
kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy,
because you know that these troubles test 
your faith, and this will give your patience. 
Let your patience show itself perfectly in what 
you do. Then you will be perfect and complete
and will have everything you need."
-- James 1:2-4 (NCV)