But David found strength in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel30:6 NIV

I enjoy solving the newspaper’s puzzles. One day’s cryptoquote answer was an anonymous saying: “Take a lesson from tea: its real strength comes out when it gets into hot water.” When was the last time the strength of your faith was tested? If your strength is compared to tea, how flavorful would your cup be?

Like tea’s flavor, our strength emerges when we’re in hot water. The hotter the water and the longer the tea remains in it, the stronger the flavor becomes. Stressful situations require strength. How quickly does our teabag split open and we fall apart? Do we pretend we’re strong or do we have that inner strength which comes from the Lord? The more trials we go through, the more our strength is tested and proved. Some families seem to have so many adversities in their lives, you wonder how they persevere. When asked, they all have the same answer – God, who gives them the strength to get through each and every difficulty, day by day.

David and his men returned to find their temporary home burned and their families taken captive. They wept till they had no strength left. To add to David’s misery, his men talked about stoning him. But David found strength in his God. After turning to the Lord, David received not only strength, but direction, followed by a victory in battle. David recovered every person and possession, and acquired more. Whenever life devastates us, do we turn to the One who can strengthen us and change our circumstances?

Through trials, one’s inner strength and faith is observed by others like a tea’s color that permeates the water. Are you perceived as a witness or a whiner? Do you persevere with prayer or pity yourself? Do you gain confidence in God with every situation He helps you through?

Let’s continually pray for the Lord to strengthen us when we experience difficulties and as we serve Him. May our cup of tea always be rich in flavor.

Cindy Rooy is the author of a six-week Bible study, Trusting God Through Trouble & Tears, and a contributing author in several devotional books, including Faith & FINANCES and The Upper Room. A wife and mother of three grown children, Cindy is a religion columnist for three newspapers and an inspirational speaker. For more information visit Cindy’s website at www.cindyrooy.com. Read Cindy’s devotions