A friend shared this quote with me this past week.

"We may be thinking God's grace is supposed to deliver us from problems, when, in reality, God's grace often gives us the ability to persevere in the midst of problems. We desire the grace of relief while God gives the grace of empowerment." Paul Tripp

What a sweet reminder that His grace meets us in the midst of trials. I can often forget that the goal is not to just make it through the trial but to allow His grace to change me in the midst of the trial. Trials are not things to be avoided, but something to embrace as a means of grace. My Lord is gently molding me through it so that I may glorify Him by reflecting His strength in the midst of my weakness, His power to uphold me when left to myself I would fall, His glory in working even the most bleak of circumstances for my ultimate good, His power to advance the gospel through the joy he imparts in the midst of sadness and pain. Thank you, Lord, for your sufficient and abundant grace to those who are your children.