Prepare yourself for trials.

"My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal." (Sirach 2: 1).

Prepare yourself for trials when you choose to serve Jesus and work for His Kingdom. Unlike recruiters in the market place, the cost of discipleship is not hidden from would be Christians. The missionaries to Japan in the 16th and 17th century told the Japanese converts the same truth. When they asked what then will be their reward for choosing the Way, the answer was from the promises of Jesus that can never fail: Everlasting life of pure ecstasy. Do you believe it? Because the Japanese Christians believed it, they faced martyrdom with their missionaries.

"Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation." (Sirach 2: 4 - 5).

St Paul Miki, the Japanese Jesuit martyr along with other priests and their parishioners drew encouragement from the promises of God as they were about to be crucified and speared.

"Commit your life to the Lord, trust him and he will act.
If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure.
If you find your delight in the Lord, he will grant your heart’s desire." (Psalm 37: 3 - 4).

The ultimate desire of every human being is eternal life. Heaven. It profits man absolutely nothing to possess everything in this world and lose Heaven.

Show that you desire Heaven by recounting the wonders of the Lord day by day. Rejoice in Him and be glad in His wonderful promise of Eternal Life.

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