Wouldn't you know it. In God's kind providence during our trial, Alistair Begg just happens to be preaching out of James this month. In addition, our pastor Shawn Young, is preaching out of Psalms. Constant reminders that our Father in heaven has a perfect plan for our lives and that He is perpetually out for our good.

In one of Alistair Begg's sermons, he quoted the Dutch Reformed missionary, Andrew Murray (Christ in the School of Prayer and Waiting on God). Murray had some great practical advice for believers in Persevering Under Trial:

In my experience of trial, I will say this:

1. It is God who has brought me here. It is by His will that I am in this tough spot. And in that fact, I will trust.

2. God will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.

3. God will make this trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends for me to learn.

4. God in His good time, can, if He chooses, bring me out again, how and when He knows.

Alistair Begg summarized the points of persevering under trials as following:

1. I am here by God’s appointment.
2. I am in His keeping.
3. I am under His training.
4. I am here for His time.

Several of you have asked how you can be praying for us during this time. In addition to asking the LORD to help us get fully back on our feet, I can't think of a more fitting prayer for our family, than the points that Murray noted.

Thank you again for your prayers. We love you all!