Job 10:2

“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.”

On this day…

• Exodus 21 – 2024
• Genesis 20 – 2024
• April 17, 2014 – 2014
• Psalm 24:3-6 – 2011
• Psalms 45:8 – 2009
• Ezekiel 34:26 – 2009
• Genesis 24:63 – 2008
• John 9:7 – 2007
• volition – 2007
• Absolution – 2007