Things in our lives do not always work together for good – as we experience them or as we would want them to be. Sometimes things go horribly wrong. People ask: what did I do to deserve this? When this happens we are not happy with this outcome. However, in spite of whatever happens in our lives, good or bad, we can still be joyful. But how can this be? Jesus told his disciples on the night that he was to be betrayed and arrested (and this applies to us today also) that “you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy” John 16:20. Through everything that happens in your life God is molding you – shaping you – changing your very essence into the image of his Son Jesus, and preparing you to be with Him forever – you just need to sincerely believe in Him.   You can get to this point, with God’s help of course, and then there is a joy deep inside you – a peace, an acceptance of whatever life throws at you – that nothing can take away. This is the plan of God. God could have done things differently but he didn’t. Jesus’ crucifixion was in God’s mind before he created the universe. It is a terrible moment in history, but with a most wonderful outcome – Jesus’ death, on our behalf. For this salvation, all you need to do is admit to God that you are a sinner. “Lord Jesus, come into my life. Forgive me. I own you as my Saviour and Lord.” Pray this and mean it – and you get everything – for free.