Children can be a great source of joy in our lives, but with the joy comes some difficult moments of pain, too.

Sometimes when parents see problems looming ahead, their gut reaction is to run in the opposite direction! Hey, I understand why we want to avoid pain—it hurts! But the right type of pain can actually be good for us.

Let me show you. James chapter 1, verses 2 and 3 says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Is there a trial in your life that God might be trying to use? Don’t run away! Let Him use it to refine your character and strengthen your faith.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple or Android. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.