Trials yet Joy

My friend, Zoë Elmore, included in one of her devotions a poem that really struck a nerve with me. Her statement, "We grow spiritually only from and through the trials that arrive on our doorstep," echoed my prayer this morning. There are still some unresolved issues that are keeping me (and members of my family) on edge to see what God is going to do. But the best part is that we KNOW He has it under control. Enjoy!

It's sometimes very difficult

for us to understand

the wisdom and the love behind

the things that God has planned.

But we wouldn't have the rainbow

If we didn't have the rain;

We wouldn't know the pleasure

If we never tasted pain.

We wouldn't love the sunrise

If we hadn't felt the night;

And we wouldn't know our weakness

If we hadn't sensed God's might.

We couldn't have the springtime

or the yellow daffodil

if we hadn't experienced

the winter's frosty chill.

And though the brilliant sunshine

is something God has made.

He knew too much could parch our souls

so He created shade.

So God's given us a balance:

Enough joys to keep us glad,

Enough tears to keep us humble,

Enough good to balance bad.

And if you'll trust in Him you'll see

Though yesterday brought sorrow,

The clouds will part and dawn will bring

A happier tomorrow.