Trusting Trials as Gifts Not Punishment

Dear Lord, when difficulties and trials come into my life, I begin to worry that these are signs that I am being punished for past sins.  But I know that suffering and death were never a part of your divine plan for your beloved children.  Forgive me for my complaints in the face of hardship.  Let me learn to find the fruits of suffering in my life.  Teach me the lesson of your Son’s Passion and the goodness in sharing in the weight of His cross.