When You Love A ProdigalSample

Thankfulness In Trials

When a person becomes a Christian, it does not mean that life's problems will disappear. Believers still experience pain. And when the trials and tough times come or continue, it is natural to ask why. The Bible says that we are to consider it joy when trials come, but how do you do that in horrible circumstances? No matter what hardships you face in life, God can use them for good. Judy Douglass shares two important lessons she learned to help her see God's goodness from her trial with her prodigal son.

Are your trials blessings in disguise? Look to God for hope and strength, no matter what challenges you face. He is there to see you through. Judy's two lessons of giving thanks and seeing pain as a gift are great steps toward finding joy in the midst of trials. With God, you can endure whatever circumstances are making you sad, angry, or terrified. But it often takes a change of perspective to see things how God sees them. To move from asking "why" to asking "what." What is it God is saying to me?

Apply

• Right now think about three things that you can honestly thank God for and then commit to thanking Him daily.
• Ask Him to give you the strength, mercy, and grace to help you endure whatever you are going through.