’Tis my happiness below
Not to live without the cross;
But the Savior’s pow’r to know
Sanctifying every loss.

Trials must and will befall;
But with humble faith to see
Love inscribed upon them all—
This is happiness to me.[1]

“Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”[2]

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”[3] _________________________________

Beloved In Christ,

Trials come in varied, many colored shapes and sizes. Our struggles, heartaches, hardships, losses, difficulties inherent with living out our Christian life may be experienced as sanctified trials orchestrated by our sovereign God to make you and me mature and complete. Even those trials brought on by my bad choices, my impulsive nature, or carelessness, God does turn around to his glory. Moreover, our God does not abandon his own! No! God teaches, disciplines, redirects, forgives, restores, and very much loves us. Whatever you are struggling through this week, month, year, our gracious God cares about your process of maturing and developing into the likeness of Christ.

Trials certainly keep me alert and aware that I desperately need the grace of God to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. My trials test my faith and remind me of our forever present God. I am not alone through the storm. In Christ, you are not alone either. Our God, almighty, powerful, holy, worthy of all praise and honor is intimately involved and even pursues us as we face trials of many kinds.

We pray continually, repeatedly day after day, even hour after hour through our trials. Please Lord Jesus help me to understand, to see my trials from your perspective. Humbly, I cry out for wisdom to grasp the purpose of my trials and truly rejoice. I do believe and know with confidence you are the only gracious God who will answer according to your sovereign will.

I know I can express, reflect, write, more easily through times of suffering and trials. My heart grieved this week as I heard about the suffering of a brother In Christ. I found comfort in knowing he is a brother, genuinely transformed, and will see the grace of God through his suffering. I pray with tears for his heart through difficult circumstances, praying perseverance to finish its work so he indeed will be mature and complete, especially when Christ is revealed fully. We pray for our brothers and sisters as they endure through trials of many kinds and heed the truth of Scripture that brings joy in the midst of our trials and temptations.

Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. 0900

We rejoice with faithful sisters In Christ! Last Saturday gals from different churches baked and helped raise funds for our Alpine Youth Center! Very cool! Thank you, the many who donated, baked, and spent time in sweet fellowship at Albertson’s on Saturday. It was a joy and answer to much prayer. Thank you Jesus, for devoted ladies loving and serving others.

Brothers are meeting too! 3rd Friday. First Baptist. 0730.

You are invited! Join fellas from different fellowships in a sweet hour of prayer. It is a time of encouragement, much love for the brethren, worship, and focused time of prayer as the Holy Spirit leads our time together. We pray for our pastors, the body of Christ, each other. We may embrace the silence, listen, and be still before our Holy God. It is a valuable hour set apart to pray and always goes by too fast. Join us if your schedule allows.

Did I meet no trials here,
No chastisement by the way,
Might I not with reason fear
I should prove a castaway?

Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Bring me to my Savior’s feet,
Lay me low and keep me there.

Persevere In Christ,

Randall:).

[1] https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/625
[2] James 1:2-3
[3] Habakkuk 3:17-18