A Christian sat near the peak of a high mountain, watching a storm as it raged below. Suddenly and eagle soared up through the clouds toward the sun - its pinions glistening like diamonds. The man thought to himself, had it not been for the tempest, that bird might have been content to remain in the valley. The same is true of believers. The sorrows of life cause us to rise toward God, where we see His grace in a new and refreshing light. This more than compensates for the momentary distress of our dark trials. -copied -

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
in blessings on your head.
-Cowper-