Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that 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)

 

Our trials- the difficult situations we face in life- can produce character traits that every Christian needs in order to conform to the image of God! And usually we don't bother to make such changes unless we are compelled by circumstances when Trouble is about the best change agent there is. And if I'm to be salt and light to a hurting world, I want my life to show it so that those wanting to know God can see what will happen to them by looking at me.

 

It excites me to see all the areas of life in which love provides the answers. If you apply the principle of love even when dealing with trials or difficulties, the problem turns into a blessing. First, I love God. I trust him to bring good out of every trial when I open myself to the blessings that come from enduring with patience and hope. Second, I love my neighbor or enemy whose actions could do me harm. Suddenly my trials are no longer trials. They are character-strengthening exercises that make me more into the glorious creature that God intended me to be.

Change Your Heart, Change Your Life, Gary Smalley