Are you a tea drinker?  I used to be a big coffee drinker until I was introduced to chai tea and then I was hooked.  There are some days, especially in the winter, when I could use an IV drip of chai on a pole.  My friend, Teddee, said “It’s like a slice of pumpkin pie in a cup.”
Whether you’re a tea drinker or a coffee drinker you recognize how critical the boiling hot water is to your concoction.  Tea leaves and coffee beans smell heavenly in the palm of your hand, but you can only experience the strong flavor and aroma when they are submerged in boiling hot water.  The liquid works with the beans or leaves to create a delicious masterpiece for the taste buds as their essence comes to the surface.
People are similar.  We all have a fragrance we carry (I’m not talking about body odor here; I’m talking about what’s inside of you) and when we are submerged in difficulty or hardship, we begin to reveal what’s inside of us.  Whatever is inside of us is what comes out when we’re put under pressure.  This is why it’s so critical to feed ourselves the Word of God and spend time at His feet [Deuteronomy 5:6-12, Philippians 4:8].  His Word and our relationship with Him becomes the life preserver we cling to in difficult times. 
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  It takes a little heat for our faith to grow and mature.  It is during those times of difficulty we cling to Jesus and His Word, realizing He is more than enough to get us through whatever we’re facing.
Where are you in your walk with the Lord?  Are you like tea leaves or coffee beans waiting to be brewed, sweet smelling but never tested?  Or are you in deep, boiling water, experiencing the worst of the trial?  Have you passed through the boiling process and now you’re emitting the fragrance and flavor of the Lord?  Wherever you are, He’s with you and He will carry you through.