A Sheer Gift

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Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. —James 1:2-4 (MSG)

Don’t despise the day of trials and tests. In the rubble of our troubles, we find a wealth of hidden treasures: patience is produced, knowledge and wisdom gained, and persistence is developed. As we work through the debris of our difficulties, our faith is strengthened, we experience a fuller, deeper level of love and trust in God and we grow in maturity. These are the qualities that enable us to fulfill our purpose and realize our dreams.

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