Consider it pure Joy. my brothers, when you face trails of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

We have all got to deal with the inevitable disapointments of life; the trials, the testings, the temptings and the troubles. Although it is often difficult to accept at the time, God says that all these challanges will ultimately serve to be a better person. You have heard it said many times. 'No pain - no gain', you don't get Gold without fire! We are encouraged to see that there something greater going on and working for us in this verse and are encouraged to count it a joy. WOW, that is something I have got to leaarn to take on board. When things seem out of control to us, we need to know that God is always in control and is able to work for good.

When we call on God in heartfelt prayer, we nee to know that God loves us and is ALWAYS with us. We need to trust him - He will answer in his own time and in accordance with his own perfect will. Life is often challanging but we must not be afraid. In times of hardship, he will comfort us; in times of sorrow, he will dry our tears and assure us he is with us. We must build our lives on the rock that can not be shaken: we must trust in God. THEN, I believe we must get on with the hard work of tackling our problems ... because if we don't who will? Or should?

I remember an old Bible school lecturere once saying, 'When tough times arrive, you should work as if everything depended on you and pray as if everything depended on God.' That's good advice!

Martin Luther King JR said, 'The ultimate meaure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience, but where he stands at times of challange and controversy".

Lena Horne said, "The size of your burden is never as important as the way you carry it".

God is committed to us and is refining us to become more like Jesus in character in this world. He wants the whole world to know him!