Great Trials = Great Faith

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 fulness
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 trials are the building blocks
On which to erect a fortress of faith,
Secure on God's ageless rocks.

--Helen Steiner Rice