1 Cor 10:13
“No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.”
…These words kept me above water, alive, even, I can say, in my right mind, and gave me hope that with God’s help I could manage everything, that the Lord would not abandon me, that He would give me strength when my world collapsed. As a 30-year-old woman after spinal surgery (before the operation I was unable to function independently or walk), with two small children—an 8-year-old son and a 6½-year-old daughter—my husband, with whom I had planned to grow old, was leaving me. He was unfaithful, and I begged him to stay with us, not to abandon the children. I told no one—I kept it all inside so as not to take away his chance to function peacefully within the whole family, so that no one would judge him and he might return. It did not happen… I was helpless, powerless, and as if “alone,” until I realized the great support, strength, and love that were keeping me afloat—my God, who “will not let you be tried beyond your strength, but with the trial will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.”
At that time I also discovered the boundless Divine Mercy and asked forgiveness for myself and for my husband, that we might not be condemned and might not stray completely from the path to God. With God’s help, I managed to raise both children in peace, without bitterness; we have a good relationship with my husband and his whole family. To give an example, I was the one arranging the funeral with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law when my husband’s two brothers died. When my mother-in-law became seriously ill, her daughter asked me to calm her and speak to her—she said she would listen to me. Truly, all my life I had a good mother-in-law, but I never called her that; she was always “Mom.” She also replaced my own mother when she passed away.
My cross led me to the Merciful Jesus, and I became a member of the Faustinum Association. There I also discovered the Diary, in which Sister Faustina writes (Diary 386): “…God will not allow more than we are able to suffer. I have often lived in hope against hope, and I have developed my trust in God to complete confidence. Let Him do with me as He has decided from all eternity.” These words of Faustina are my motivation for how to live.
In a short time, my parents also joined the community, and together we turned to Divine Mercy in difficult times. My mother passed away shortly thereafter, but with my father, who is also a member of the Faustinum Association, we are strengthened daily by the Chaplet, often together with my sister and the rest of the family. My father and I regularly go to draw strength at the meetings of our association.
The Lord God has taken care of me and always takes care of me. I was never alone; even though I did not have my husband at home, the Lord always sent me support in someone during difficult situations—within my earthly and spiritual family. He gave me a beautiful relationship with my sisters, and we have always been and still are a support to one another, turning to the Merciful God in times of hardship. He has always given me the strength to persevere in my decision to remain faithful to the vow I made before God to my husband.
Thank You, God, for everything, even for the crosses that directed me to You.
…Much more could be written, but I hope I have captured how the words of 1 Cor 10:13 and Diary 386 helped me to endure difficult situations in peace…
Eva Bohumeľová
member of the Faustinum Association, Slovakia
