It's an idea we can cling to in life: good things should happen to good people, bad things should only happen to bad people, and Christians should live a `blessed', relatively problem-free, life. But, as we turn to the story of Samuel, a man dedicated to the service of the Lord from his earliest years, we see a different story. Born into a dysfunctional family, he was raised in an environment where conflict was the norm and piety and corruption co-mingled. He would go on to experience rejection, disappointment, times of anger with God and God's people, and even fear for his life. But, in it all, while Samuel was not a perfect man, he was certainly a faithful man. Everyday life brings challenges. As Jeff Lucas traces the footsteps of Samuel, may our hearts be strengthened for our own journeys. May we be encouraged to stand in Christ, stand out for Christ and, where needed, stand up for Christ, in our day and generation.