We usually don't like the trials and struggles that are so much part of our lives. It is so easy to be resentful or feel like a victim. Why me? What did I do? Why is God punishing me? These are some of the questions that come to mind but Peter assures us that these are part of our faith journey. Our faith is tested every day. We don't have much control over what happens around us but we can choose how we respond. Hopefully, we choose patience, love, dignity, forgiveness, and generosity. When we do, we are a winner!

There is a difference between a good person and a true disciple of Jesus. The rich young man was a fine person - someone we would all like to know. He did all the right things; he avoided sin; he was generous. But his wealth gave him his sense of self-worth as well as security. Jesus invited him to give that up - to follow him - and to let God give him his sense of worth and identity. Without resources of his own he would have to learn trust and dependence on God. Not bad lessons for anyone! We like to control our own lives. We don't like uncertainty or the unknown, but that is where God is often found. Each day let us try to relax a little of our control and let go of our fear. When we walk in God's Spirit we will be led along very rich and interesting paths.