Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters,

when you meet trials of various kinds,

for you know that the testing of your faith

                    produces steadfastness.

And let steadfastness

            have its full effect,

that you may be perfect and complete,

                       lacking in nothing.

                      James 1. 2-4

(We live in a broken world.

God did not promise

     that life would be easy,

but that He is with us.

The text does not say if

             but when,

   not once but in various kinds.

Not that we should be

                to be afraid of it,

       but prepared,

by dwelling in the Almighty,

           marinating in His Word,

           seeking Him in prayer,

           serving Him

                   in all of life,

     and building relationships

                     with His people.

When life is hard,

   His strength covers us.

God is gracious, righteous

                      and merciful.

Sometimes His goodness

     is wrapped in mystery.)

O LORD,

We can trust You

        even in the hard stuff.

Not that You will bring us through,

   but You are bringing us through.

You do not leave us

               in the desolate,

but use us in impossible places

       for Your glory there.

Help us to have a new heart,

            fresh vision,

        and renewed strength

that can come only from You.