"The nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge." (Psalm 73:28) Trials put our faith to the test. No matter where it comes from or how strong it is, there is something about suffering that simplifies life and draws us back to the basics. It never fails, but during times of trial, I go back to what I truly believe. . . I return to the basics such as prayer and dependence, like getting quiet and waiting on God. It is at these times that I remind myself that God is sovereign and what is happening is no accident. . . He has a plan and a purpose. Those thoughts give us hope beyond our trials. Trials not only put our faith to the test, but they also stretch our confidence in Him. They force us back to the bedrock of faith upon which our foundation rests, and this becomes a refining and necessary process!