James 1:2-4 says: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

The troubles in your life bear a fruit that sometimes is difficult to see. Your hardships cause you to spend greater time on your knees before God and to draw closer to Him.

It is not easy. Sometimes you need to talk it through with a human being, but God is not putting you through troubles just to punish you. Instead, the troubles make you more like Jesus.

When I feel frustrated with my troubles it sometimes helps me to remember that Jesus, who never sinned, faced troubles in His life on earth. If He could endure, so can I.

That is my challenge to you. Please remember that whatever you are facing, Christ has already faced it. He can show you the way through.