From: "Terri Main" <terrimain@att.net><P>"My brethern count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." James 1.2<P>Henry Ward Beecher wrote: "Difficulties are God's errands. When we are sent upon them we should esteem it as proof of God's confidence." Yet, most often today, when Christians face hard times they feel that either God has failed them or, more likely, that they have failed God. <BR> <BR>"What have I done to deserve this?" we hear people say when they lose a job or have family problems or fall into poor health. Very often, we have our assessment of the situation confirmed by well-meaning<BR>Christian friends who like Job's comforters say, "Why certainly I'll pray, but are<BR>you sure you are walking in God's will for your life?" <P>Somehow, it never dawns on us that neither God nor ourselves have failed. Indeed, we may be right in the center of Gods will when we are in the midst of the storm. Remember, Jesus commanded the disciples to take their tiny boat out on the Sea of Galilee when a storm was coming. He wasn't unaware of the storm or unconcerned for them. They<BR>hadn't sinned. In fact, they were in the midst of the storm because they followed the Lord's will. <P>Sometimes following God's will will land us right in the middle of trouble. Why? Probably, because we tend to learn more from trouble than from ease. I know I learned the most about DOS by messing up my computer and having to search the manual for a way to get back on-line.<P>Trouble is the wisest professor in the College of Christian Living. When we are thrown into trouble we have no choice but to depend on God. And since he will not put upon us more than we are able to bear, the stronger we become, the more difficult the trials often become. Only the most foolish commander would send a raw recruit out on a dangerous, but vital mission. The seasoned veteran, with much battlefield experience and many victories are given the really difficult<BR>assignments. It is not because they are failures they are chosen, but because they are successes.<P>So, the next time trouble comes your way, do as James advises us to do and "count it all joy" because its difficulty is only an indication of your strength.<P>Lord, let me not run from your assignments. Let me not turn away from difficulty, but embrace it knowing that you are able to give me the strength to bear it and eventually defeat it. Amen<BR>

AW, Amen. Isn't it the truth. Thanks for sharing this with us. I hadn't had the time to read it earlier. I pray today was better for you. Remember stand in Jesus arms and look at the circumstances together. Have a great night.

Thanks AW, I really have heard alot about trials lately, I think God gives us what we need when we need it dont you?<P>My pastor has been going through text about comfort and this last week the topic was "Trials.... WHY?" He just started in 2 Cor 2 weeks ago... I know I put my church's url up on a topic somewhere... I think its a thread about Comfort... Anyway if you want more input in this same theme check out Sunday Jan 9 and Jan 16 when you click Audio on the web page which is at...<P> <A HREF="http://www.cedarhome.org" TARGET=_blank>http://www.cedarhome.org</A> <P>My pastor always says, "If you can't say Amen, say ouch" <P>------------------<BR>Jesus is the only answer!<BR>His blessings, Cozy

I was sent the scriptures called emergency phone numbers and they help me a lot along with the daily devotions. God Bless, and Good night to all.