We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.

Romans 5:3-4 (The Message)

It's funny how when you're completely focused on your troubles that you forget that in amongst them all is GOD. Sometimes I get so blown away by the fact that He doesn't ever give up on us. Even when life sucks, and we feel completely alone, He's always there, guiding, moulding, comforting, loving....

I love this verse from the message - it's so easy in everyday life to allow God's opportunities to slide on by because you're too busy or too wrapped up in your own problems to notice. But this is what I want - I need to be alert and ready for what He's going to do in my life next!