I first memorized this scripture in my early twenties. Let me tell you, up to that point in my life, my trials were shallow and few. I listened to this scripture (I had the KJV Bible of CD for my car) as I drove to work every day and wondered  why I would “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Although I believed in the truth of the scripture, I somewhat foolishly thought what is good for thee does not apply to me.

One lesson I still needed to learn is that trials help us develop maturity. The innocence of youth let me assume all things should go my way and that a burden-free life is ideal–something to try to achieve. But that is not realistic, nor does God promise me such a life. There are endless things that are not in my control.

With years of perspective, I can look back on my life and pinpoint several times when I was being tried in the small things, preparing me for the day I received a devastating medical diagnosis for my unborn child. I needed to know the source of peace when I sat in the ICU and was told our insurance didn’t want to cover a surgery. I needed to know that joy is not tied to circumstances when I sat through my daughter’s funeral. And I needed hope that God was with us through everything.

I am so thankful I committed this scripture to memory and hid it in my heart for the days when I would need it. Take some time today to look back and see where you were being prepared for the things you are living through today and thank God for His provision.