At this time of trial and tribulation at our church, we tend to get very depressed. That is natural, but natural isn't always good. Obviously we know that God is still in control and we hear that all the time, but there is much more to it than that.

James said to "count it all joy" , but I doubt there are m any of us here who are thinking of this situation as "joyful". When God puts us to the test, as He always will, it hurts.

How many of you enjoyed your final exams when you were in school? Not many, I would guess. But without that exam you would not move up to the next grade.  Nor can we.

If we were doing something wrong, Satan would leave us alone. We have been getting far too spiritual lately and Satan must do something to slow us down.  If you are not being attacked by Satan, you had better check your commitment to God, because something is wrong. 

These trials are all part of the Christian "walk" that we call sanctification. The closer you get to God, the harder the tests will be, just like in school. You don't get a college degree without taking some very hard tests.

It is exam time for us, and whether or not we pass this exam will be an example to the community around us of just how strong our faith REALLY is.