Psalm 66:8-12

8Oh, bless our God, you peoples!
And make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9Who keeps our soul among the living,
And does not allow our feet to be moved.
10For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined.
11You brought us into the net;
You laid affliction on our backs.
12You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
-Psalm 66:8-12

Many will struggle with the idea that God allows us to endure trials and even gives trials that we might grow and be refined. The tendency is to think of God as cruel and unloving, however this is a ridiculous claim. I remember being with my brother watching his toddler son. His son would go and try to pick things up or move them and struggle due to the fact that he was not entirely strong enough. Through this, his son learned how to go about this and grew in strength. He would learn how to depend on his father for help. Yet how would have his son ever learned or grown if his dad had done everything for him?

The Lord allows and even gives trials in our lives that we may grow. Perhaps it is that we are growing in our faith, or in trust, or in patience. Regardless, let us have grateful hearts to our Good Father that He would allow us to grow. He is looking to purify you and desires your growth. Praise God!