“The Lord tests the righteous.” —Psalm 11:5. Everything that happens is under God’s control, so all the trials we face in life come directly from him. Every blessing has its challenges, just as roses have thorns. No mountain is too high, no valley too low, to escape temptation—trials are everywhere.

But not a single drop of rain falls from the threatening clouds without God’s permission. Every trial that comes our way is meant to prove and strengthen us.

It’s a joy to sit in the sunshine of an orange grove and see snow-capped mountains in the distance because it reminds you of the cold you’re escaping. Similarly, the believer’s joy is heightened by remembering the miserable state of sin they’ve been saved

from and the even more dreadful condition of eternal condemnation they were once headed towards. Bask in the warmth of God’s love and bless him that, though you were once in darkness, now you are light in the Lord!