"As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him." (Psalm 103:11) There are two truths that help us as Christians when the bottom drops out: 1) We need to remember that nothing touches us that has not gone through our heavenly Father's hands. Nothing! Whatever occurs, God has sovereignly surveyed and approved. We may never know why, but we do know our pain is no accident to Him who guides our lives. 2) Everything we endure is designed to prepare us for serving others more effectively. Since our heavenly Father is committed to shaping us into the image of His Son, He knows the ultimate value of this painful experience. It is a necessary part of the process. It is being used to empty our hands of our own resources, our own sufficiency, and turn us back to Him -- the faithful Provider!