Finding Joy in the trials

I have shared in the past the unique nature of our faith that we celebrate the trials and tribulations in life as they bring us closer to God. I don’t know about you, but I can think back on my life and when I am most prayerful. It is always when I am on my knees and needing God the most. Those are the times when I feel like all else is lost and I am powerless without Him. In times of plenty, prayers of thanks never seem to come from my heart as much as the prayers in pain and suffering. It is in those times that I find myself closest to God. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:2 and 12, NIV)