For the followers of Jesus, when you are being broken down, it is a sign that the kingdom of God is breaking in.

In the midst of a trial, I really just want relief. Jesus wants deep reformation and restoration.

In the midst of a trial, I really just want relief. Jesus wants deep reformation and restoration.

The time for rejoicing is always right now and the place for rejoicing is always right here. 

Sometimes we just have to stop trying to escape the trials and learn how to participate in what Jesus is doing.

Sometimes we just have to stop trying to escape the trials and learn how to participate in what Jesus is doing.

Sometimes we just have to stop trying to escape the trials and learn how to participate in what Jesus is doing.

Pure joy is joy untethered from even the slightest shred of happiness. It is inexplicable because it is coming from somewhere other than this valley of the shadow of death and devastation we call here.

Pure joy is joy untethered from even the slightest shred of happiness. It is inexplicable because it is coming from somewhere other than this valley of the shadow of death and devastation we call here.

Pure joy is joy untethered from even the slightest shred of happiness. It is inexplicable because it is coming from somewhere other than this valley of the shadow of death and devastation we call here.

From trials come deep humility, profound authority, and breathtaking love.

From trials come deep humility, profound authority, and breathtaking love.

The testing of our faith leads us from faith as "believing in something," to faith as "surrendering to someone."

Jesus has overcome the world to the point that he can bend its brokenness into breathtaking beauty.

To encourage someone in the midst of a trial is to greet them with the embrace of Jesus

Years later, when it mattered most, Joshua was able to give encouragement to others because he had the courage of God coursing through him. 

Courage is the presence of Jesus. Jesus is all the courage of God in a human person.

We are going to have to learn a way of approach to God and God's Word that is constitutionally for God and not for ourselves.