THE REEF Don't worry if you have problems! Which is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one, I know.  But the only people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighborhoods.  Most communities have at least one.  We call them cemeteries.  If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life.  And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you! Let me explain. Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia.  Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question. "I notice that  the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful," a traveler observed. "Why is this?" The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival.  It dies early.  The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, storms -- surges of power.  It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested, it changes and adapts.  It grows healthy.  It grows strong.  And it reproduces. Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living organism." That is how it is with people! Challenged and tested, we come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow.  Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger.  Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness. So, you have problems -- no problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!" Author Unknown ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Read and meditate on these scriptures: "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask Him, and He will gladly tell you.  He will not resent your asking." James 1:2-5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.  Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.  Then you will gain renewed health and vitality." Proverbs 3:5-8 "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.  O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for Joy to the end of our lives.  Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good.  Let us see your miracles again; let our children see your glory at work." Psalm 90:12-16 "In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and rescued me.  The Lord is for me, so I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; He will help me.  I will look in triumph at those who hate me.  It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people.  It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in princes." Psalm 118:5-9