Spurgeon: February AM
* 02/18/AM
"Shew me wherefore thou contendest with me."
--Job 10:2
Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop thy
graces. There are some of thy graces which would never be
discovered if it were not for thy trials. Dost thou not know
that thy faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does
in winter? Love is too often like a glow-worm, showing but
little light except it be in the midst of surrounding darkness.
Hope itself is like a star--not to be seen in the sunshine of
prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.
Afflictions are often the black foils in which God doth set the
jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better.
It was but a little while ago that on thy knees thou wast
saying, "Lord, I fear I have no faith: let me know that I have
faith." Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously,
praying for trials?--for how canst thou know that thou hast
faith until thy faith is exercised? Depend upon it, God often
sends us trials that our graces may be discovered, and that we
may be certified of their existence. Besides, it is not merely
discovery, real growth in grace is the result of sanctified
trials. God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in
order to make us better Christians. He trains His soldiers, not
in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using
them to forced marches and hard service. He makes them ford
through streams, and swim through rivers, and climb mountains,
and walk many a long mile with heavy knapsacks of sorrow on
their backs. Well, Christian, may not this account for the
troubles through which thou art passing? Is not the Lord
bringing out your graces, and making them grow? Is not this the
reason why He is contending with you?
"Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Trials bring me to His feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there."