Seeing it from God's point of view

We can save ourselves a lot of anguish if we see our trials from God's point of view. There is no guesswork here: He has told us what He is most interested in --- and it's not that we have money (though He loves to bless that way - Deuteronomy 28:8-11); and it's not that we have health (though He loves to heal --- Psalm 103:3); and it's not that we have harmonious relations with everyone (though the donning of His gentle yoke tends to that --- Proverbs 16:7).

Though God loves to bestow all of the above, there is one thing He wants even more for us --- our increase in faith. And because that is the favorite of His gifts, He will sometimes say no to our requests for the lesser delights in order to give the greater gift.

It's common sense when you think about it. If a king had a servant whom he wanted to train to trust him, how would he do it? Perhaps, if the servant were a little green or shaky, the master would start with simpler tests (just like the high school SATs do). He would delay gratification of a request, or he would deny a request but show the servant (very soon) the reason for it.

But with a seasoned and tested servant, might not the king ratchet up the degree of difficulty? Might he not create a situation which is totally baffling for the servant --- unanswered prayer, a hiding of his face and apparent withdrawing of his favor?

The servant is now forced into a sharp and clear decision. Will he trust his king against all human reason? Or has he been harboring conditions all along? Will he live a life where everything is staked solely on the word of God?