By, Tim Irving – Evangelism Team

As Joe South wrote in 1967, “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain sometime,” or as Jesus said a few years earlier, “In the world you will have tribulation.” Being a Christian is not all fun and games. James tells us, “when you fall into various trials.” Peter warns us, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you.” There are going to be good times, but there will be hard times, and while everyone’s hard times aren’t the same, they are for the same reason, to strengthen you, strengthen your faith, to strengthen your trust in Him. God knows what’s best for you, what you need to help mature, We need to remember that trials are for our benefit and that “All things work together for good. to those who love God. to those who are called according to His purpose.” As they say, no pain, no gain, big trials bring big smiles (eventually). While we may never have a life free of trials, we will never have to go through any trial alone. Always remember, He will never leave nor forsake you, trials strengthen you, and while the world may be full of tribulation, Jesus has overcome the world! Don’t be cocky, but with confidence you can say, “Bring ’em on, You and me got this Lord!”