And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.--Romans 8:28-30 (ESV)

What an amazing passage.  Listen to God's promise: "I will work all things together for your good."  The King of the universe will not let even a sparrow fall (Matt. 6).  He will hold us in His hands.  When it seems like we have fallen, we need to remember this truth.

This promise is universal for Christians: All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  (Note that non-believers are not mentioned in this promise.  This is a special privilege of God's children.)  About a week ago, I caught the cold which has been going around Orange County.  Though I could be tempted to think that God could not work through such a small trial, I know that He did.  He works through all things for the good of those who love Him.

James 1 tells us that "trials of various kinds" make us steadfast in the faith.  This steadfastness then makes us "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  Through what seems to us to be detrimental is in reality making us perfect.  When trials hit, and storms crash over our souls, we need to hear this promise in our hearts: God will work this for good.