"take up his cross, and follow me..."

A while back a friend showed me this cartoon strip which I thought was interesting:

Trials help shape and mold us into what the Lord wants us to become. Remember the words of the Lord in Isaiah, "Behold, I have refined thee, . . . I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah 48:10). Many are called but few are chosen (Matt 22:14). The Lord wants to bless us and wants to help us prepare to weather the trials that will come upon us. If we are always looking for the easy way out, we may get something that won't help us progress: an answer for a easier trial. He calls us to pass through tribulation and chooses those who endure it well.

We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (see Philippians 4:13) and we will not be tempted or tried above that which we are able to handle with the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). Those are two of the most powerful promises which we can use as comforts as we expeience the trials of this mortal life.

God is always with us. He always hears our prayers.

Jeremy