I do not Like or Want Trials

James 1:2

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

The key word in this verse is “whenever”. God does not promise us an easy life as a Christian. What gives us the right to ask for an easy life. We will see trials of many kinds, and He wants us to consider them joyful. The fact is that we grow and learn more in trials and whereas we tend to pull away from Him when all is going well. We consistently need to work on our relationship with God. I have a relationship with my doctor, but I usually only see him when I am sick. My relationship with God should be more than a help number to call. We should seek Him in the midst of all situations. I continually strive to turn a situation over to Him earlier rather than later and trust He will bring me through it. Yet even after decades of walking with the Lord, there are still times when I want to handle things my way. God is not finished with me yet!

After Rochester, God moved us to Joliet, IL, about 45 miles outside of Chicago. We have now lived here for 26 years and have made this our home. Our daughters, sons-in-law and grandkids are here, so we will not be moving anytime soon. My wife and I have an awesome marriage, but we also have had our seasons of struggles. We have worked through infertility issues, breast cancer twice, prostate cancer once, kidney stones and unknown rashes.

I am not trying to suggest this is a heavier or lighter load compared to anyone else’s struggles. We all have different challenges come our way as we live our lives. Each of us will also handle them differently. I hope and pray this will encourage you in all of life’s trials, challenges and opportunities.