I remember when we first moved here almost two years ago.  Everything was wonderful  -it was an easy season, filled with blessing and "smooth sailing".  My husband was starting his dream job and we had just moved into a cute little house in the area we had also dreamed of.  We had three healthy children, a solid marriage and true understanding that it was all though God alone.  Truly wonderful.

We were still looking for a good church to attend when I brought our oldest to a VBS program at Community Bible Church.  (At this point, we had heard of the church and my husband had listened to several messages online by the Pastor.  We liked all we heard so decided to try the VBS.)  Rather than making the drive back home each day with the other two little ones, I stayed and looked around the church and campus.  Meeting people and just praying for direction -was this were we would worship? 

One of the first days there I found the library. I noted the many resources available for sale as well and decided to look into the Pastor and his wife a bit more to see if I wanted to buy any of the tapes/cd's.  I liked what I saw, read and heard but really didnt know where to start. 

One of the days I visited, I was standing at the counter, looking through the book of topics available and having no idea where to start.  Two ladies walked in and we started talking.  At some point I mentioned that I was looking through the womens ministry tapes/cd's available but didnt know where to start.  I had never heard anything by the Pastors wife before -did they have any suggestions?

(What happened next is a moment that will probably be forever burned into my memory. Have you ever done or said something that you just knew was going to come back and get you later? That was this moment.)

"Well, what area of your life are you struggling with?  Marriage; Kids; Home Management; My relationship with Christ...?" 

I paused to think for a moment but thinking of nothing specific, I replied, "Nothing.  Things are truely great right now so there is nothing specific I am struggling with."  I went on to explain that I was looking for overall encouragement and guidance on how to live the life that God intended for me as a woman.

As I spoke I will never forget the feeling of impending doom.  Like somehow saying that there was no struggle in my life at the moment sounded some kind of alarm in the heavenlies that I was a prime candidate for some testing.  But that kind of thing doesnt really happen, does it?

We ended our conversation later and I purchased my first set of messages from there titled, "The Incredible Longings Of A Woman" -still one of my favorites.  But the feeling that I just said something really foolish lingered for a long time.  I know the truth that "In this world we will have trouble" and if you arent experiencing struggle(s) in your life, get ready because they are coming. 

And they have. 

We enjoyed several more months of "ease" before little challenges started popping up.  They got bigger or new ones appeared. Challenges and hard times or struggles in our lives will always come -and hopefully go.  Some days I feel a bit like Job and wonder just how much God will allow me to be tested.  How many times and how many ways will I be asked to prove my trust and faith in Him?  No one knows the answer to that one but I do know the Promises I stand on day to day...

He will never leave me nor forsake me.  Deut 31:6
He will never allow me to be tested beyond what I am able to endure and will also provide a way of escape. 1 Cor 10:13
Though we are promised trouble in this world, He has overcome this world.  John 16:33

I also take comfort in knowing that this is all for a reason.  The testing of my faith will produce fruit in my life and allow me to grow.  James 1  A friend commented the other day that its as though God is "refining the heck out of" me.  When I thought of it that way, my attitude changed. Psalm 66:10

"Keep burning the chaff, Lord!  Burn it all and get rid of it until there is nothing left of me but the puresilver and gold found only in You." 

That is where I stand today.  That is where I will remain.