My brethren,count it all joywhen you fall into various trials,³knowing that the testing of your faith producespatience.⁴But let patience haveitsperfect work, that you may beperfect and complete, lacking nothing.

When I read this verse many years ago, I wondered why would anyone find trials joyful. I wouldn’t want to go through any tough times! God loves me! God will always bless me and make sure all is well with me.

The last few years, I had to go through some difficult times in my finances, business and personal life. I fell to “rock bottom” and when I think things cannot be any worse, the worst happened. I had to face disappointments, betrayals, condemnation, shame, embarrassment and lack. I expected people closed to me to understand or encourage me. I get judgement instead. I questioned God, my faith and I could not understand. I was confused. I…