Comforting Thoughts

"The Lord trieth the righteous" Psalm 6:5

All events take place under the watchful eye of Almighty God. Consequently, no trials come to us without His knowledge. All blessings are potential doors to trial. Men may be drowned in seas of prosperity as well as in rivers of affliction. Temptations and trials lurk on all roads. Because this world is under the dominion of Satan, we are surrounded with dangers. Yet, no shower falls unpermitted from the threatening cloud; every drop has its order before it descends to the earth. The trials which come allow us to prove and stregthen our faith. By them, we may illustrate the power of divine grace, test the geniuneness of our virtues, and increase our spiritual energy. Our Lord, in His infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets such a high value upon His people's faith that He permits them to experience trials strengthen their faith. You would never have possessed the precious faith which now supports you if the trial of your faith had not been like a fire. You are a tree that never would have rooted so well if the wind had not shaken you and made you take firm hold upon the precious truths of the covenant of grace. Worldly ease is a great enemy to faith. It loosens the joints of holy valor and snaps the sinews of sacred courage. The balloon never rises until the cords are cut. Testing accomplishes this sharp service for believing souls. While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husks, it is useless to man. It must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. It is good that the righteous are tried for it causes them to grow rich toward God.

--Morning and Evening, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, September 3 Evening