Show 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 had been discovered if it were not for the trials. Dost not thou know that thy faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter? Love is too oft like a glow worm, showing but little light 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 folds in which God doth set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine 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, perhaps unconciously, 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 existance. Besides, it is not merely discovery; real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials.
God trains his soldiers, not in the 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 weary mile with heavy knapsacks on their backs. Well, Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which you are passing? Is this not the reason why he is contending with you? C.H. SPURGEON
To be left unmolested by Satan is no evidence of blessing.
Devotional exerpts from Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Published by Zondervan Publishing Company