The human body is made up of 10 trillion cells, which are home to some 100 trillion bacteria. A dime-sized patch of skin may hold up to 2 million bacteria. The presence of all those little critters might seem to be an overwhelming threat to our health. But scientists say that we would actually be sicker without the bugs than we are with them. The good bacteria apparently help fight off the bad bacteria that cause diseases.

This gives us an interesting parallel to the setting in which Christians are called on to live for the Lord. Contrary to what we might think, we can actually be better off with a hostile environment than without it.

God calls His children to show patience, love, and faith in a world polluted by sin and opposed to righteousness. Many of the troubles we encounter can help us avoid greater problems of independence, self-sufficiency, and pride that set in so quickly when all goes smoothly. The problems in our lives can drive us to depend on the Lord and to trust in His Word.

The difficulties we face can contribute to our spiritual health if we'll see them as tests of our faith and as opportunities to develop endurance. Until Jesus comes, we can be healthier with them than without them.  — Mart De Haan