From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

You just never know what is going to happen next. It’s surely okay to plan, to learn, to progress forward in life; but always be aware that things can go wrong, and things going wrong may happen very often! Be careful, though, that you don’t react as if God is punishing you. He doesn’t work that way.

All things are controlled by God, and even though He wasn’t the source of bad or difficult happening to you, the fact that He didn’t prevent it or stop it, speaks volumes. Instead of thinking negatively when something goes awry, switch that thinker over to view your difficulties as blessings in disguise!

“What? Are you nuts?” you may say. Nope, just repeating what is mentioned in James 1:2-4, that you should consider trials with joy because when your faith is tested, you grow stronger in it. That kind of endurance will make you complete so you lack in nothing. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Do a daily workout in the “spiritual gym” and you’ll be ready to tackle those challenges as they come your way. Remember, trials and sorrows give you an opportunity to practice running to God for your refuge, trust and wisdom. And because “practice makes perfect”—expect those trials! See Psalm 55:17 and Psalm 62:8 for some frosting on the cake. Endure the fire…it’s producing pure gold!

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