May God help me! (Photo credit: radiant guy)

Whenever troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy

(James 1:2)

Have you ever looked upon trouble as a time for joy? This is not foolishness but the deepest kind of wisdom. This joyful perspective is the very key to persevering and growing in wisdom during times of affliction.

It has been said that we as Christians are like tea bags: we are not much good until we have gone through a bit of hot water. When the temperature rises, we learn something about ourselves and about God. We find out that we need a little seasoning, and that He is steadfast and faithful in our trials. Can you trust God? I must tell you that you can, but your faith will never be real until you are forced, through circumstances, to place all your trust in…