You’ve heard it said, “God is good all the time and all the time God is __________.” So, why would a good and loving God allow His people to go through such things as the death of a loved one, disease, pain, discouragement, hurt, disappointments, financial hardships, anxiety, and fear? At times when we encounter these kinds of trials and tribulations we become doubtful, weary, bitter, and angry because we don’t like unexpectedness nor do we want to be inconvenienced. I have learned and have grown to accept that trouble and challenges are nothing more than test and these test are intended to help exercise and build our faith. In other words, a faith that can’t be tested—can’t be trusted. God wants us to live out our lives radically and unequivocally driven by our faith in Him. But sometimes He has to force our hand. James 1:2-4 (Msg) said, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” You have to remind yourself, despite all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Although spiritual battles are constant, Satan is defeated and he has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Trouble, trials, challenges, tribulations, storms, and test don’t come to stay, they only come to pass! Amen and amen!