God Is In Control

Many believers think that our Christian life should be problem-free and devoid of trials, and yet Jesus warned that in this world we will have tribulation, while Paul also reminds us that we must, through much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God.
Whatever the source of our trials and temptations, we can choose one of two routes. We can seek to battle through in our own strength, wondering if God really cares as the pressure increases until we finally give-up - or we can remember that God is in control, we can rejoice in the Lord and consider it pure joy, recognizing it as one of the various trials which God will use to fine-tune our faith, increase our dependence upon Him, develop our Christian character, and bring us closer to spiritual maturity.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, there are times when we complain about the trials and tests that seem to cover our walk through life. May we increasingly learn to regard the various trials we face as pure joy and the inevitable difficulties that come our way as glorious opportunities to rejoice in You. We pray that we may face our daily trials joyfully, knowing that the testing of our faith will produce endurance and steadfastness. May we increase our dependence upon You during good times and bad. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN.