"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart." Psalm 26:2

As the children of the Lord we all face times of testing; times when our hearts and minds are examined and tried.  The curious thing is, is that these times of trials and examinations are not for God's benefit, but for ours.  It is in these times we truly find where we stand in our relationship with the Lord.  And, it is only when we know where we stand that we can begin to move forward.  The Bible teaches us to rejoice when times of trial come.  Yet, in these times we seldom feel like celebrating.  Perhaps today you find yourself in a time of trial, a time where your beliefs are being put to the test.  If you are, hold tight to God's Word, embracing your trial and learning from it.  Rejoice in the fact that God loves you and is trying to move you into a closer relationship with Him.  Allow yourself to grow in this time, seeking more of God, as He transforms you more into the image of Christ!

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4