Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. James 1:2
Abba, loving Father, life here on this earth is never easy. Since the first couple committed sin in the Garden where they had the privilege of living a blessed life, the earth was cursed and we have to live a troubled life. We cannot escape from troubles. We cannot go and live in another planet. We have to learn to accept the fact of life, that trouble lingers wherever we go and whoever we are and in whatever conditions and fortunes we have. Lord you teaches us how to live and overcome. It is how we see life and the troubles that we encounter. Because of you, we are victorious. We never lose in this life. Either we win or we learn. You give us the right perspective regarding the trials and temptations we encounter. Others see them as merely troubles. We see them as blessings. Trials are our opportunities for growth and perfection. They make us stronger, wiser and better. We have learned a lot from the trials we go through. When we expect a trouble free life and dream of a completely painless existence, we become disappointed and frustrated as well. We become losers. Trusting in you, Father, we submit ourselves to your purpose. We know that when we are facing trials, you are working in us. We are at the hands of a great sculptor who chips away our rough edges, cut and form us to conform to your image. Lord, thank you for we are in your good hands. Nothing happens to us by surprise, not by mistakes rather things happen under your control. Certainly, troubles may hurt us but we know that it is not your intention to give us pain. We know they are necessary to make us perfectly like you, holy and righteous to finally become your glorious masterpiece. Amen.
