As we grow in the fuller life of the Spirit, we may experience greater trials in our journey. The Church in Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13) was warned not to depend on their own strength during their trials but on the way provided by God. "I know your deeds, that is why I have left an open door before you which no one can close" (Rev 3:8).

Jesus has warned that being disciples will entail persecutions and trials both from within and from without. The trials will be attempts by the evil one to sidetrack us, derail us or destroy the life of God within us. What would please the evil one is for us to turn away from the truth of the Word of God and even to deny the person of Jesus, if not publicly, at least internally.

Knowing this personally in his own life Paul in the First Letter to the Corinthians: "No test has been sent you that does not come to all men. Besides, God keeps his promise. He will not let you be tested beyond your strength. Along with the test he will give you a way out of it so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Cor 11:13).

What is this way out, this door left open by God? Grace. "Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and favor and to find help in time of need" (Heb 4:16). When we come to those moments and situations in our life that we cannot take another step, cannot fight any longer, cannot endure another moment, in our weakness and human incapability, we can cry to the Lord for the grace of endurance and strength of fidelity. Then with Paul we too will know and exclaim: "We were crushed beyond our strength, even to the point of despairing of life. We were left to feel like men condemned to death so that we might trust, not in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. He rescued us from the danger of death and will continue to do so. We have put our hope in him who will never cease to deliver us" (2 Cor 1:8-10).