Learning From Trials

We all go through difficult times, or trials, in our lives. As many of you know, I have been going through a trial period in recent days. I recently shared with our church members some lessons that I am learning through this ordeal and I want to share them briefly with you.
First, I'm learning that problems are not a strange thing. I have at times panicked during such times. Bad things happen to good people and I would like to think that I'm good people, if you will. The Lord tells us in Scripture that His aim is to bring us righteousness, to make us a better person. I'm no better than any one else so when when bad things happen I should not ask, "Why me?" The better question is "Why not me?" and learn from the experience.
The second lesson I am learning is that the only way for me to understand is to let go and let God. It's an old saying but it's true even if it is sometimes difficult to do. I'm trying to understand that endurance is not the key to living but rather that surrender is the key to living. If we live long enough, hard times happen, but God can help us to mature in the faith through the process. It was after passing through the Red Sea that Moses became a great man. It was after Peter overcame his fears that he became a great man. It was after the Damascus road experience that Paul was able to become a great man of God.
And finally, I have found that the simple things are more important than what we may consider to be the big things. Little things like family, relationships, and purpose are huge. It's not about prestige, status, or a fat bank account that should be our priorities.
Isaiah 41:13 says "For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, do not fear, I will help you."
Sometimes we feel like a nail and life is a hammer beating us down day by day. But there is a Carpenter who holds the nail, who knows better than the nail, and in the end shows that a simple nail, even though it is being pounded, can be used to build something great.