The Lord is working mightily in the lives of  so many of His children at this time that today I would like to share a poem by John W. Follette entitled, “Trouble is a Servant”.  It prefaces his message by the same name in his book, “Broken Bread”.
 
        TROUBLE IS A SERVANT
 
All of us know trouble--at least I hope we do;
  Trouble is a servant, but known as such to few.
We are taught to shun her and, if she comes too near,
  Seldom do we face her but run away in fear.
Good and bad must meet her, the universe around--
  Sinners, saints, kings and knaves--she comes where man is found.
Always make her serve you, for she can serve you well;
  Just HOW you may use her your life will always tell.
Trouble is but passive--it’s by our power to will
  We make her either bless us or do the soul some ill.
How do you translate her from phrases filled with pain
  To messages of strength--from loss to endless gain?
By faith we see behind the outer frightful mask
  A servant  in disguise, to do a gracious task.
Hearts may feel her wounding and life may suffer loss;
  Faith translates her working, as freeing gold from dross.
Trouble will discover to any yielded heart
  Hidden depths of power it only knew in part;
Sympathizing power, and love that understands;
  Strength to help another with trouble-tested hands.
Trouble will release you from self and make you kind,
  Adding new dimensions to heart and soul and mind.
Do not shun this servant, but look beyond her task
  To beauty she will work--for which you daily ask.
Always see in trouble a chance to grow in grace,
  Not a stroke of evil to hinder in your race.
Live the life triumphant above her fiery darts;
  Rich fruitage will be yours to share with needy hearts.
                                                           John Wright Follette
 
And what does Scripture tell us?
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”  Psalm 34:19
 
The apostle Paul speaking in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17,
“Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
 
Paul tells us in Romans 5:3-5,
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint…”
 
James also tells us in James 1:2-4,
“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.”
 
Jesus tells us in His final discourse with His disciples in John 16:33,
“…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
 
Then there is that wonderful assurance in Romans 8:28,
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
 
A precious sister in Christ, who has been at home with the Lord for several years, referred to her trials as glories knowing it was God at work in her life.
What a wonderful way to look at our trials!
 
Holy Lord, thank you for working mightily in our lives.  Help us to see your wise and loving hand in all that comes our way!  You are ever faithful, merciful and gracious; we adore and worship You. Amen