Current trials do prepare to overcome greater ones later. This is a recurring theme in all cultures (that I know) and it takes various forms such as “What does not kill you makes you stronger” or the related more drastic “sink or swim” method etc… The oposite is also true “Spare rod, spoil the child” etc..
To that effect I came accross this picture, which I found fitting, but given the religious reference, I had to wonder also about the exaltation of unnecessary pain on the basis of some future (or hidden) reward.
As in…. trials as means of growth or trials as martyrdom?… well in any case the following did shed light and I find it quite amusing.
Just because some people use their cross as a bridge does not mean there isn’t one already
cafeproz 