Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.1 Peter 4:12-13

Dear God, so I really should consider it all joy? You know, I know I should. And I’ve tried to, but the fire can be very unpleasant. 

A few years ago, I was in excruciating pain–at least what I felt was excruciating. It was over family relationships (plural) and worrying about people I deeply loved. It was about being rejected by others for the core of who I am. It was about being betrayed by some on whom I had depended to support me. I would cry out to you. I would wondered what I should do next. And things are FAR from perfect now, but I did learn how to out a lot of it into perspective. And I am seeing hope in some of the relationships. 

I can say, however, that I believe the trials made me better. They have made me a more faithful disciple to you, although there were some years in there where I was so disappointed in what I felt were broken promises by you that I had trouble worshipping you regularly. They have made me more loving and accepting for those going through trials. And I think they have given me a place of authenticity from which I can encourage others. 

Father, I’m still not thrilled about what happened in that chapter of my life, and I don’t know where the issuers that remain unresolved are going, but I choose to coder it joy. I choose to be grateful for you. And I choose to have faith that all things will work together for your glory and my good. 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen