“2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ” – James 1:2-5 

Life has thrown a lot at our family lately and I’ve vacillated between panic/anxiety to moments of calm and peace. One thing I’ve been consistently challenged with yet failed to do is to exhibit thankfulness specifically for the trials of life. I have thanked God for His provision, for blessings, but not once thankfulness for the trials. When those moments come I revert back to the panic, the anxiety and wanting the trials to go away.

Today I will be grateful for the trials.

Growing up I played sports and remember how many times in practice we pushed to the edge then went some more. At first I hated it. I wanted to quit 10 reps ago but here we were continuing to push. After awhile I realized the purpose for those extra challenges and the fruit they would bring later. I began to be grateful for the trials.

I woke up early this morning in that panicked state of worry and, rather than skimming facebook, I began to pray. As I prayed my thoughts went to these verses in James. May they bless you richly wherever you are today and whatever challenges and trials you are in the midst of.