Endurance & Strength: Holding Mary's Hand

“2 My brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; 4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4) 

Endurance is a word typically defined as the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way. Usually, we use the word in the context of running, biking, or other physical activities. In those times, endurance means the physical stamina needed to complete your run, bike ride, or workout. An example of physical endurance is on Good Friday, when Jesus carries the cross on his back to His own crucifixion. Jesus endured immense physical suffering during the events leading up to and including His crucifixion. He was subjected to much pain, including being hit multiple times with a whip, carrying His heavy cross, and then He was nailed to the cross where He hung for hours. Regardless, Jesus remained devoted to His mission, demonstrating extraordinary physical endurance as well as his commitment to His purpose. 

On the other hand, mental endurance is defined as the ability to stay strong and resilient in the face of challenges. It typically involves having confidence, trusting in our faith, and having the ability to keep pushing forward.  In our everyday lives this might look like resisting temptation, having faith in yourself, and overcoming fears. A great Biblical example of mental endurance is Job. He faced immense suffering and loss-losing his wealth, health, and family, despite this, Job remained faithful and patient throughout his trial. Even when he questioned his situation, he never lost his faith in God. Job’s story teaches us about perseverance and maintaining hope, even in the toughest times. In our own lives, we need to have mental endurance. 

The key to both physical and mental endurance is perseverance. Perseverance requires determination to keep pushing forward even when faced with obstacles. A good suggestion for this perseverance is to seek strength from God. Ask for help and you shall receive. Maintaining faith is crucial for developing both physical and mental endurance and the strength provided from God helps us to overcome challenges and to maintain hope.  By maintaining our faith in God, we can draw the inner strength needed to endure and overcome challenges, just as Jesus and Job did. This faith not only helps us to persevere but also provides hope and a sense of purpose, guiding us through even the toughest times. The verse above encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for growth. It emphasizes that trials test and strengthen faith, leading to perseverance and endurance. As perseverance develops, it brings maturity and completeness, suggesting that enduring hardships with faith ultimately leads to a more profound and fulfilled spiritual life. 

In my own life, I have learned the importance of endurance. Recently, I have faced one of my fears, going to confession. I am not quite sure what terrifies me about confession, but before a few weeks ago, the thought of going made me feel nauseous. I often tell my sins to God, but the last time I had gone to confession at that point was two years ago. I was telling one of the youth leaders about my fear of confession and how I really wanted to go and I thought it was important for me to go, but I was afraid. She told me that when she does difficult or scary things, she acts like she is holding Mother Mary’s hand. After a long time sitting in adoration deciding whether or not I was going to go to confession, I finally got up, and waited near my friends. When it came time for my turn, I acted like I was walking in holding the hand of Mary and the more strength I needed, the tighter I squeezed. Suddenly, it was over and I felt a weight lifted off my chest. I was able to persevere through my fear.

Think of all the times you have been afraid, tempted, or feeling any flurry of emotion. Imagine tears filling your eyes and your body shaking aggressively with fear. Now, imagine a figure beside you with a smile on their face, wiping your tears and holding your hand. This figure could be anyone, it could be Mary, Jesus, God the Father, ect. You feel your body fill up with the strength, peace, and comfort needed to endure your trials. Next time you feel afraid, tempted, or any other flurry of emotion, grab Mary's hand and allow her to give you strength to endure.

I want to end off with a quick daily prayer for endurance: “Lord God, I seek Your strength daily as I face the trials and tasks before me. Grant me endurance to overcome adversity, the courage to walk fearlessly, and the faith to embrace Your plans. Let Your love be my foundation and Your wisdom my guide as I navigate each moment. Strengthen me from within, and help me to carry Your light wherever I go. Amen."