"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life." - James 1:12
There's an African proverb that goes like this: "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." Have you ever thought of life that way?
All of us want things to go our way all the time, but we have to admit that life doesn't work like that. Hard times come. Relationships are damaged. Financial worries plague us. There are even times of war. Yes, the clouds and the storms really do come.
Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble." But the good news is, He didn't stop there. He also said, "Take heart. I have overcome the world." Yes, trouble is a fact of life. But Jesus has given us a means of finding victory–the real victory–even in hard times.
Won't you allow Him to provide all you need to face the good times and the bad? He's willing and able to provide triumph, even when things look the darkest. And it's usually through the storms of life that we learn our most valuable lessons. Put your trust in Jesus Christ.