I got this in the mail today from InTouch Ministries, written by Pastor Charles Stanley, and it nailed my heart. I wanted to share.

All it takes is one devastating phone call and your life is changed forever. The doctor's report is grim. The investment you've made has resulted in your financial hardship or ruin. Your loved one has been taken from you. You've been betrayed by someone you trusted. The next thing you know, you're trying to make sense of this terrible situation and wondering if you'll survive it.

Let me ask you- has this happened to you? Have you been sent staggering down the path of adversity by some unwelcome news or disappointment? Are you wondering why God would allow this pain and suffering in your life? If so, then you have a crucial decision to make. You can either blame the Lord or trust Him. You can either allow this trial to defeat you or have faith in God to help you triumph over your circumstances.

We all deal with seasons of hardship and sorrow. Those times will come and go as long as we live on earth. However I believe that if we understand the Father's purpose for allowing these trials, then we can face the most difficult circumstances without being completely and irreversibly devastated. Our troubles may discourage us at the moment the occur, but when we respond to them in the right way-realizing that the Lord is in complete control of our life-we are able to move forward with the faith and courage to endure.

So what is God's purpose in adversity? First Peter 1:6-7 tells us, "You have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious then gold which is perishable, even though tested by first, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." In other words, when the Lord allows trouble to enter our life it is because He is working on our faith. This is demonstrated in two ways.

First, God builds your faith through trials to transform you into the likeness of His son. Peter instructs, "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in the all your behavior." (1 Peter 1:14-15) This does not mean you resemble Jesus physically; rather, it means that your personality, character, conduct, and conversation are like His.

It requires faith to be holy. It takes great trust in Him to make a godly decision when the right choice is difficult and even unpopular. But that's what the Lord will do in you through adversity. He builds the likeness of Christ in you- including courage that sustained Him as He faced the cross and unwavering assurance in His resurrection power. (Eph. 1:18-21)

Second, God builds your faith through trials so you will be equipped to fulfill His purpose for your life. Remember, your intimate relationship with Him is His highest priority for you, and it determines the impact you have for His kingdom. The hardship you and I face can deepen our relationship with the Lord. If you will allow Him, our heavenly Father can teach you and listen to, walk with, and obey Him with full confidence through any situation or circumstance.

Isaiah explained that it is through adversity that the Father reveals Himself as His plans to you. "Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or the left." (Isaiah 30:20-21)

Untried faith is unreliable faith-you don't know how devoted you are to God until you're tested. Do you trust Him to supply your needs? Do you believe that He will empower you to fulfill what He has called you to do? Do you know how to rely upon Him for every necessity? These are questions that must be answered if you wish to have a growing, intimate relationship with the Lord and serve Him faithfully.

My friends I want to challenge you today. Trust the Lord your God. Tell him, "Thank You, Father, for loving me enough to trust me with every heartache or loss. Teach me to be more like Jesus and equip me to follow Your plans for my life." And also ways remember that the dark moments of your life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in you. May the Lord bless, comfort, and encourage you as you walk through difficult times and serve Him in love and obedience.

Charles Stanley

can I get an amen?