Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.—James 1:2 (NIV)
When you are right in the midst of a challenging situation it’s difficult to see yourself as a diamond forming under pressure. With time and hindsight it’s possible to appreciate your struggles and be patient during the difficult times because they make you stronger and wiser.
Lord, thank You for the life lessons I have learned from my darkest days and longest nights.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)
One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.—Proverbs 13:7 (NIV)
