Gold is refined in the fire.

Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. -Mark 10:29-30

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Things don't always go as planned... it could be in your relationships, in your finances, with your job, etc. These problems and trials come with being human and living in an imperfect world with imperfect people.

I just never expected it to be so hard at times.

• Diann and I are watching our parents and friends parents wrestle with aging and health problems.

• I miss our kids when they leave for weeks and months at a time.

• I watch money come and go and wonder where it went.

• I know close friends who have been searching for work for months.

In the midst of foggy times, painful situations and days I face problems... I want my life to respond with ...

FIRST... a prayer of thanks to God that helps me remember how GOOD GOD HAS BEEN TO ME... HOW HE HAS FAITHFULLY HELPED ME AND HOW HE NEVER CHANGES... my circumstances may change but I desire to focus on who Jesus is right now... that He has not changed and that Jesus already has "overcome" the world.

SECOND... a prayer of trust that helps me remember that God will provide in the future all the relationships and stuff that I need (more than I need) to grow day to day.

Lord, thank you that through the pain of the cross you overcame the world... you overcame my mistakes and gave new life to all who follow you. Now You live in me to help refine and grow me into all that is planned for me as your child. Help me trust in the truth that you provide brothers, sisters and all that I need now and in the future. Let my life, my faith in you, my story to others be refined.