wisdom like none other can arise from those hard places that bring us low.

God is good. He is way more interested in developing our characters to match our calling than in manipulating our circumstances to make us happy.

Pain is the sensation that indicates a transformation is needed.

The space between our expectations and our reality is a fertile field, and it's the perfect place to grow a bumper crop of disappointment.

And let's be honest, if we weren't ever disappointed, we'd settle for the shallow pleasures of this world rather than addressing the spiritual desperation of our souls.

God is interested in my character, not my comfort.

Between any trial and the blessing that comes from that trial, there is a pathway we must walk — that pathway is perseverance. Perseverance means having an urgency, firmness, resolve, and consistency. And, while the joy of the blessing may seem a long way off, signposts or mile markers of joy line the way. These will help us persevere with resolve and consistency if we "consider" them.

Some will live their whole lives missing the chance to see all the good God has placed around them just for them. Partly because the hard stuff has demanded so much of their attention. And the seeming permanence of some of the heartbreak has stolen their affection for life.

Hurting but still hoping—that is the human journey.

C. S. Lewis said it best: "We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be."1

If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it's still a pretty good day.

When we think the process of longsuffering is unbearable, we must remember it would be deadly for God to put us up on that solid rock before we are strong, firm, and steadfast. And it would be cruel for Him to require us to sing before we have a song.