Every single event is under God's control. That means every trial in your life can be traced straight back to him. Picture it: from the golden gates of God's decree, whole armies of trials march out in formation, dressed in iron armor, carrying weapons of war.

Every providence is a door to trial. Even our blessings come with thorns, like roses. Listen! People can drown in oceans of prosperity just as surely as in rivers of affliction. No mountain is too high for temptation to climb. No valley too low for trials to find you. Above, beneath, behind, before—we are surrounded by dangers.

And yet. Not one raindrop falls from those threatening clouds without God's permission. Every single drop has its marching orders before it ever touches earth.

Why does God send these trials? To prove and strengthen what he has planted in you. To show off the power of his grace. To test whether your faith is genuine. To add steel to your spiritual spine. Our Lord, in his infinite wisdom and overwhelming love, values your faith so highly that he will not shield you from the very trials that make faith strong.

Think about it. You would never have the precious faith that holds you up today if your faith had not been refined by fire. You are a tree that never would have rooted deep if the wind had not shaken you back and forth, forcing you to grip tight to the promises of covenant grace. Worldly comfort is faith's great enemy. It loosens the joints of holy courage and snaps the sinews of sacred strength.

A balloon never rises until you cut the cords. Affliction does that sharp work for believing souls. Wheat that sleeps comfortable in its husk is useless. It must be beaten from its resting place before anyone discovers its value.

This is why it is good, deeply good, that the Lord tests the righteous. It makes them rich toward God.