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. God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in order to make us better Christians. Besides, it is not merely discovery, real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials. 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. Afflictions are often the black foils in which God doth set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better. 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. 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. There are some of thy graces which would never be discovered if it were not for thy trials. Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop thy graces. Job 10:2 - Morning & Evening, with Charles Spurgeon Devotionals Saturday, February 18th - Morning Shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.
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