In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

(1 Peter 1:6-7)

In my mind, this is saying that my trials give me a payoff that is worth more than gold.  My faith is priceless, everything else has little value.  I can understand the logic behind this and I can understand the Truth behind this..... but.... I sometimes have trouble remaining strong and faithful during trials and suffering.  My faith certainly has chinks in its armor, so many holes that sometimes I fear that the devil may get the best of me.  I have to keep my focus Above, to the powerful God that gives me the courage and strength to face any opponent.  Thank you, God! 

When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
(Psalm 142:3)

It's easy (and natural, for me) to blame others for the obstacles in my life.  Traps lie everywhere in our lives, but God is watching over us and the Holy Spirit lives within us to guide us down the right path.  "All" we have to do is accept the help that is put before us and within us by our Heavenly Father.  Easy to write... hard to do. 

He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
(Job 2:10)

We can't pick and choose God's gifts and/or punishments.  We get what we get and God expects us to accept both the good times and the bad times with grace and trust.  Maybe it's a test.  If it is, I know that I often fail.  Are we really listening and obeying God's will for us?  Do we learn from the trials or continue on our merry (sinful) way?   Just food for thought today.  What I do know is that no matter what comes my way, God is right by my side.

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
(Revelation 7:14)

It may not seem like it right now, but we will see the other side of our trials and tribulations some day.  Be strong and shoulder your troubles with the help of the Lord.