We live in a broken world; Jesus was honest enough to tell us we'd have trials and tribulations. Sure, I'd like to understand more about why. But Kreeft's conclusion was right--the ultimate answer is Jesus' presence. That sounds sappy, I know. But just wait--when your world is rocked, you don't want philosophy or theology as much as you want the reality of Christ. He was the answer for me. He was the very answer we needed.

He can even use the bad things of life to bring about his ultimate purposes and ends. "That doesn't mean those things aren't bad—they really are bad. But they're all within the sovereignty of God. Even good can come out of evil.

Ease and luxury, such as our affluence brings us today, do not make for maturity; hardship and struggle do

Consider anything, only don't cry!

Why, there's hardly enough of me left to make ONE respectable person!

I wish I hadn't cried so much! said Alice, as she swam about, trying to find her way out. I shall be punished for it now, I suppose, by being drowned in my own tears! That will be a queer thing, to be sure! However, everything is queer today.

specifically

When swords appear, motives are revealed. Do

Yes, seasons, criticisms, and events can refine you—they have the potential to shape the mettle of your life, but they are not the substance of your life . . . God is.

The very winds that cause the eagle to soar later in life terrified it when it was an eaglet.

Spiritual joy arises from purity of the heart and perseverance in prayer.

I hate how hard spiritual transformation is and how long it takes. I hate thinking about how many people have gone to church for decades and remain joyless or judgmental or bitter or superior.