Some people have the wrong idea about the Christian life. Once they become believers, they expect smooth sailing. Yet Jesus made it clear that troubles are inevitable for God's children. His own life was no exception. As His followers, we can expect difficulty. The cause of tribulation differs with each circumstance. Some problems arise from fallen nature of the world, while others result from satanic warfare. We can cause our own heartache from ignorance, sin and poor decisions. There is also another possibility- sometimes God Himself brings trials. The Lord never brings hardship unless He has a beautiful purpose, and He gives strength to endure. Remember God allows struggles- whatever the source, for our benefit. Sometimes they are to purify and grow us for greater service. Sometimes He brings trials to test our endurance and devotion to Christ, thereby strengthening our trust, and to reveal His sustaining power. In this side of heaven we may never know the cause of each challenge. But we can trust God's ability to deliver and mature us. God is faithful during the hard times. What trials are you facing? Jesus understands your pain, and He longs to be the one you

can cling to through good times and bad. We can choose to look elsewhere for comfort or we can use our hardship as a source of growth. No matter how painful the trial seems, let us not waste the opportunity. May our faithfulness in the midst of suffering, be used to deliver powerful witness for Christ! ~1 Peter 1:3-4