Most recently, I shared the biblical perspective of handling trials. You can read it here.

Now let me be honest.

While those deepest and darkest trials we may face should not annihilate our faith, can’t we be true with our God and admit that maybe our confidence can be shaken and bruised a little? Say maybe that my spouse is enduring a great physical trial, does my Heavenly Father expect me to be so ironclad regarding James’ words that I come across as one who merely accepts everything that happens to all as God’s sovereign will? Doesn’t that open the door to look really cold-hearted toward the ones we love so much?

My mind can’t help but entertain… “Cheer up, Honey! Everything is going just as planned!” …a flower vase spiraling toward my forehead.

I have found a very valuable resource. Every time I think I’ve mastered a section of God’s Word, I turn to that famous shortest verse in Scripture… and realize all over again that I know absolutely nothing. You know the verse! “Jesus wept. (John 11:35).”

Why did Jesus weep? He knew what He was about to do! There was no doubt in His mind that Lazarus would soon be shucking and jiving with Him and the rest of the gang. So why did He cry?

Is it maybe because love and compassion should never be trumped by sovereignty?

It is a great comfort for me to know that our God has everything under control. It is an equally great comfort for me to know that Jesus’ compassion is great enough to weep during His friend’s trials.

Lord, let Your mind and heart be in me also.