How do you know something is ready unless you test it?  A few weeks ago I was driving down the road and one of the tires blew on the van and the rubber ended up tearing through the metal of the body and destroying the heater core.  I was a few miles from home.  

As frustrating as it was, I pressed on.  My daughter gave me a ride to the parts store after I confirmed my plan with a mechanic friend.  When the fix was in place, I tested it carefully, not going far until I was confident there was no coolant leak. I thanked the Lord that it happened only a few miles from home, my daughter was able to run me, and that I had the resources and skills to fix the issue. 

You see, the Lord was carefully testing me in all of this. Would I remain patient and grateful?  What a loving Father we have in heaven.! He uses all things to prepare us for the works we are to walk in.  He refines by fire that we may be pure and ready.  Praise him for the trials today and consider it joy as He grows your endurance!