God has settled in heaven certain Trials of our Faith, which will as surely befal us as the crown of glory be given us at Christ’s appearing. God’s purposes of grace are a golden chain; not a link must be missing.
Temptations which find us dwelling in God are to our faith like winds that more firmly root the tree. (James 1:2-4.)
How much of adversity do we need in order to bring down the lofty thoughts within us! A knowledge of our own weakness is generally learnt through humiliation and suffering.
Those trials which put our wisdom to confusion, thwart our pride, and starve the lusts of the flesh, best fit and enable us to trust the living God. Let us, then, not suffer such trials to pass without making right use of them, giving thanks to God for them all.
He is most likely to fall into temptation and sin who most slights a warning. He who most truly depends upon the Lord for succour in the time of temptation, will be the most thankful for counsel or reproof.
When a trial comes upon me, let me look upon it as sent for a peculiar blessing. If I receive it thus, I shall not consider “how heavy it is!” nor ask “when will it be removed?” but “how much advantage shall I gain through it? and how shall I turn it to the best account?”
Often when saints, by right steps, bring afflictions upon them, they are tempted to think their course wrong; but faith seizes the opportunity of glorifying God. Thus the apparent loss becomes great gain. (Esth. 4:13-16.)
How much will our trials weigh when this mortal shall have put on immortality, and we shall appear with Christ in glory? (2 Cor. 4:17.18.)
The troubles of the way do us good service, if they raise the eyes of our mind to look at things unseen and eternal.
Present faith, not past experience or comfort, keeps us from fainting in the hour of trial.