Most people will do almost anything to preserve their life. How many would be willing to suffer and die for their faith? Imagine a mother cheering on her seven sons as they suffered martyrdom by exhorting them to have courage and faith. After all, their lives were gifts from God, and if it pleased Him, He would restore them. This is martyrology – an account meant to encourage others. Trust God; fear nothing; have faith; stand firm.

Some people are deathly afraid of making mistakes, so they never try anything new or out of the ordinary. In the parable, three servants were given sums of money by their master as he departed on a journey. The third one was so frightened that he buried the money that had been entrusted to him and returned only that amount to his master. The first two were praised and rewarded, while the third was rebuked and punished. In order to advance spiritually, we must sometimes step into unknown territory. It is all right to make honest mistakes – we need to trust in the love of God. We must always be moving forward and growing in wisdom and grace.