Thankful Thursday: Thank You For Trials (and Rain)

Here in my midwestern city, we have had rain for days.  And though it's been cold, windy and depressing, we are very grateful, because it is an answer to prayer!  We needed it, and daily we measure just how much has come down.  The grass and trees are lush spring green, and growth is evident everywhere you look!

I couldn't help but wonder why I'm thankful, and even pray, for rain, but resist trials.

So, today I'm thankful for the trials we've experienced recently, though minor, that have caused me to lean on the Lord more and press in towards Him. I'm thankful for the obstacles to my objectives, my dreams not being realized in "my" timing, and even for strained relationships, friends forgetting about you, frustrations with choices that people are making, and people not living up to the good opinion you once had of them. Jesus experienced all of this.

"Lord, help me to be thankful for whatever You send--sun or rain, blessings or trials--knowing that both are needed in order for me to grow.  Help me to grow up spiritually, to be able to thank you for the trials--to even pray for them? Build up my spiritual muscle through standing firm while the winds blow against me. And let me be that man whose house stands in the storm, because I DO and not just HEAR the Word of God.  Amen."

Please visit Laurie at Women Taking a Stand to participate and read other thankful posts! Thanks, Laurie, for hosting this month!  (In June, Iris at Grace Alone, will be hosting.)