Are you aware that it is a grain of sand, a tiny piece of earth, that is at the core of a pearl? That it is an irritation that creates such a beautiful precious thing? There is certainly a parallel here to our irritations, even trials, that we do well not to miss. It reinforces the thought that "trials are a mark of God's mercy", to quote Elyse Fitzpatrick. Trials are not merely a way for God to show us mercy, but are actually given to grow us, to help form us into beautiful reflections of Jesus Christ. We have all heard how it is the refiner's fire that purifies gold and other elements into things of beauty, and that the same can be said of irritations in our lives.

James rightly says then to "consider it all joy, my brothers, when you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Think now of a current irritation or trial in your life. Are you letting the testing of your faith produce steadfastness? Are you leaning into God in this thing? Are you letting the steadfastness of God have its full effect by settling into it and thanking God for it? I know this is hard, impossible even, without the Lord God. Read Psalm 57 slowly, inserting your own struggles into it, and understand the steadfastness of the Lord on your behalf.

More tomorrow on God's help in your suffering.