Nobody in their right mind asks for trouble. We tend to do whatever we can to avoid hassles in our lives. One of the great things about the Bible is that it deals with reality. James didn’t say, “if” about trials – he said “when”. That is what happens in life – everyone has troubles. Pastor Mark is using Peter’s first letter to teach us God’s perspectives on what to do and, more importantly, what our attitude should be when hard times come. Even though it can be very difficult to find our way to embracing God’s viewpoint on our very real problems, there is a level of peace waiting for us when we get there.