“God never sends suffering that is unbearable,” she used to say, “for the greater the suffering, the greater God’s grace.”

In the darkness of the night, God was granting her moments of respite and great joy. “I suddenly saw Jesus, Who said these words to me, ‘Now I know that it is neither for the graces nor the gifts that you love Me, but because My will is dearer to you than life; that is why I am uniting with you more closely…’

“At that moment, Jesus vanished. The Divine presence flooded my soul; I know I am under the glance of the Mighty One. I immersed completely in the joy that comes from God…” (Diary 707-708)

St. Faustina is one of the most famous sisters of the Sisters for Life, an organization dedicated to serving mothers and babies, the elderly and forgotten. 

In her 33 short years, she felt God’s call early in life and lived out her days seeking communion with Jesus and serving others. But her life was littered with suffering.

How did she survive the dark nights of her soul? She sought communion with Jesus, moment by moment. He was her food and drink. 

If you’re like me, you may be thinking, “Jesus talks to other important, saintly people, but not to me.”

But this simply isn’t true. Jesus lived alongside, spoke to, and dined with sinners and the lowest of society, and they were the ones with whom He desired to fellowship.

So, I keep preaching to myself, “My beloved is mine, and I am His.” Song 2:16

If any human can hear from Jesus, be near Jesus, than I can. And you can. We can trust He is with us, listening and leading. 

I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. Psalm 120:1

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God! There we’ll receive His mercy and find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:16)

During the month of love, not all of us experience the bliss and romance Valentine’s Day promises to deliver. In the thick of loss or grief, all the chocolates and flowers won’t ease the loneliness, emptiness or shame of our aching hearts.

We often resign ourselves to the lies of the culture, our enemy, or our own parched soul.

I am:

• Worthless
• Unloveable
• Purposeless
• Not enough
• Too much

Is this you, as it has been me during seasons of suffering?

If so, God’s Word, as St. Faustina discovered despite hardships and physical suffering, speaks a better word over us, to us, and through us.

I am:

• Priceless
• Purpose-filled
• Loved
• Seen 
• Known 
• Treasured

A sweet friend recounted a recent weekend retreat with a few close friends. Traveling by plane and car, they gathered for their sacred, annual time of laughter, soul-baring, and prayer.

She mentioned a prayer they separately meditated upon for a few hours, coming back together to share what each had heard Jesus speak to their hearts. 

I asked her to send the prayer, and deeply moved by it, I would like to pray this, one of St. Faustina’s prayers, over you. Read it slowly and drink deeply, friend, knowing you are treasured and loved this Valentine’s Day.

From the belief that I have to earn Your love,

Deliver me, Jesus

From the fear that I am unlovable…
From the false security that I have what it takes…
From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute…
From all suspicion of Your words and promises…
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You…
From refusals and reluctances in accepting Your will…

From anxiety about the future…
From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past…
From restless self-seeking in the present moment…
From disbelief in Your love and presence…
From the fear of being asked to give more than I have…

From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth…
From the fear of what love demands…
From discouragement…

That You are continually holding me, sustaining me, loving me … 

Jesus, I trust in you.

That Your love goes deeper than my sins and failings, and transforms me …
That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on You …
That You are with me in my suffering …
That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this life and the next …

That You will not leave me orphaned, that You are present in Your Church…
That Your plan is better than anything else …
That You always hear me, and in Your goodness always respond to me …
That You give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others …
That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked …

That my life is a gift …
That You will teach me to trust You …
That You are my Lord and my God …
That I am Your beloved one … 

Jesus, I trust in you. Amen