Great Faith That Smiles Is Born of Great Trials

It's easy to say "In God we trust"

When life is radiant and fair,

But the test of faith is only found

When there are burdens to bear--

For our claim to faith in the sunshine

Is really no faith at all,

For when roads are smooth and days are bright

Our need for God is so small,

And no one discovers the fullness

Or the greatness of God's love

Unless they have walked in the darkness

With only a light from above--

For the faith to endure whatever comes

Is born of sorrow and trials,

And strengthened only by discipline

And nurtured by self-denials--

So be not disheartened by troubles,

For trails are the building blocks

On which to erect a fortress of faith

Secure on God's ageless rocks.

-Helen Steiner Rice

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I

desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Psalms 73:25, 26