trials

This is a definition from the sermon today. It really hit home with me.

Trials-
Painful circumstances allowed by God to transform my conduct and my character.

I think the part that means the most is that the trials are "allowed" by God, not "caused" by God.

He isn't punishing, he is teaching.
He isn't condemning, he is molding.
He isn't unloving, he is a jealous God.

I am so thankful to have a God who loves me enough to not let me fall through the cracks.