" . . . We went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment."
If you are a sincere believing churchman, saved by grace through faith in Christ (alone), then this much is certain: you will go through some very difficult times in this life. But this much is also a sure thing: you will be brought through them, to even higher levels of faith, character-development, joy, and fulfillment.
But no one gets the "good stuff" without first traversing some pretty dark valleys. Therefore, learn now, in advance, that God is good, and that Jesus is worth possessing no matter what. Then, staring into hard circumstances will not be so bad, since you *know* you will benefit on the other end.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If the thing we desire is good for us, we shall have it. If it is not good, then not having it is good for us. Resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment." --Thomas Watson, in "The Art of Divine Contentment"]
