Matthew 16:25

Thank You, Father, that You have promised that the testing of our faith produces perseverance and steadfastness, which in time will bring forth the beautiful Christlike character that You so desire in all Your children, but which all too often I personally seek to avoid, or regard as a time of bitter struggle. Help me Lord, to embrace any trials that You see fit to enter my life. Help me to look at the difficulties that engulf me with Your eyes, and give me an eternal perspective on all the problems I may be called upon to face, so that I may count it all joy when I am confronted with various trials, knowing that the testing of my faith produces the godly fruit of patience. Help me Lord, to use those times of testing as an opportunity to grow in grace, and as a springboard to develop a deeper and more secure relationship with You.

Lord, it is not alway easy to align our minds with the mind of Christ. It is often very hard to see trials in a positive light, and to embrace the various testings we have to go through as a thing to be highly prized, and yet Your Word tells us that life's difficulties sharpen our faith, while developing our trust in the Lord, which is more precious to You than much fine gold. Give me a heart that understands and chooses to look at trials and tests from Your perspective, so that the testing of my faith may bring forth the righteous fruit or patience and grace. I ask this in the name of Jesus,

Amen.