The story is told of a man who was walking across the road when he was hit by a car. The impact knocked him on his head, which caused him to be ina coma for several days before he regained consciousness. When he opened his eyes, his loving wife was there beside his bed holding his hand.

He said, "You know, Judy, you've always been right by my side. When I was a struggling college student, I failed again and again. But you were always there with me, encouraging me to keep on trying."

He went on to say, "And when I finally got out of school and went for all my interviews and failed to get any of the good jobs, you stayed right there with me, cutting out more clasified ads for me to check on. Then I started work at this little firm and finally got the chance to handle a big contract. But I blew it because of one little mistake, and yet you were there beside me all the way. Then, I finally got another job after being laid off for sometime. But I never seemed to be promoted. My hard work was never recognized. And so I remained in the same position from the day I joined the company until now...And through it all, you were right here by my side."

Her eyes were starting to fill with tears as she listened.

He then said, And now i've been in this acident and when I woke up, yuo're the first personI see. Judy, there's something I would really like to say to you."

He said, "JUDY, I THINK YOU'RE JUST PLAIN BAD LUCK!!"

I wonder if there are times when people think that having God by their side in life is a guarantee of luck in difficult times. They attend worship services often and try to be good, honest and caring people only to see problems and challenges continure to mount. While at the same time, the evildoers around them seem to prosper and be so happy.

God is often blamed in the midst of such difficult times, but He shouldn't be! The fact of the matter is that life can be tough. The storms of life will eventually blow on all of mankind. Sometimes they stay longer than expected, even to faithful children of God. The child of God should not be dismayed, but should diligently study the wise counsel available to us in God's word that explains these things.

James 1:2-4 tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

The end result of our patience and endurance in the midst of the trials and adversities of life must always be considered.

God is at work in our lives, which means that He will do (or allow) things to come to us in life that can be steppingstones to maturity and deeper faith...if we let them. The Bible contains the answers to the struggles that often overwhelm us. We must study hard andn pray often for the wisdom that God has available to us. Our diligent and prayerful study will reveal the truth that the Lord Jesus wants to be by your side and will gladly bear the sins and burdens that we, so often, try to carry alone.

Our precious Lord (or the other members of the Godhead) should never be blamed for the bad luck that will come upon all of us. He should, on the other hand, be praised and glorified that He would want to be by our side always. If He is not there, it is only because we have refused Him.

Where is He now in relation to your life?