I looked up the word trial and one meaning was a test of faith, patience or stamina.

Have you been going through a trial a long time and will be glad when you’ve passed the test?

Have you sat on the side of the bed and cried for hours asking why you are going through the trials and heartaches?

Did you cry out –“Why don’t you help me, God?”

You prayed.

You fasted.

You praised.

You meditated.

You prayed for others and for yourselves; nothing seemed to change.

Then you went to work and had to deal with arrogant, prideful, conceited, know-it-all, insensitive, insecure spirits.

I’ve been through it too.

It must be a test of our faith and patience:

1. To see if we can love the unlovable.
2. To notice if we can and will pray for those who despitefully use us.
3. To examine if we will trust God and not lean on our own intelligence and understanding.

Won’t we be glad when we learn the lessons and the trials are over?

We don’t feel like we can take much more, but that’s ‘us’ talking and not the Holy Spirit.

Help us remember to whom much is given, much is required.

You’re like a teabag – not much worth till you’ve been through some hot  water___________________________________Unknown