In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -- 1 Peter 1:6 & 7

Praise God that this trial has brought Brandi and me closer to JESUS. We're not perfect by any means, but we've seen the value of falling on our face before the living God, crying out to Him, and truly casting our cares on Him, knowing that He cares for us. I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we have never felt closer and more loved by our Lord than we do right now, in the midst of the storm. He is faithful, and He loves us!

He's also given us the grace to avoid anger, frustration, and fruitless bickering over things like the definitiveness (or lack thereof) of polygraph technology and the seeming obstinacy of some authorities involved. We rest in His assurance (though not always perfectly), and we know that all authority comes from God (Romans 13:1).

To the extent that this trial has brought us closer to JESUS, it's been a blessing. We're thankful.