While reading some Spurgeon this weekend, I was reminded of the blessing of suffering.
Where else but in trials do we begin to know our weaknesses and God's strength? So, as much as I can, I want to glory in my (MANY) weaknesses. It seems counter-intuitive, but it really makes sense. Spurgeon wrote: "He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God."
Think about it: In times of worship, do you rejoice for the times of ease and contentment? Do you instead find yourself remembering the darkest nights, the most pressing trials and the grievous sins out of which God has rescued you?
I refuse to pray for a life of ease, when all I need to pray for is His presence, and to learn to be content apart from contentment. Precious metals left in the earth are safe and untroubled as they remain unmoved within the surrounding stone. They are also worthless. But once disturbed, dug out and refined in fire, they become pure and then their true glory shines. So it is with us and His glory.
After all, part of knowing Christ is sharing in His sufferings (see Philippians 3:10).
Where else but in trials do we begin to know our weaknesses and God's strength? So, as much as I can, I want to glory in my (MANY) weaknesses. It seems counter-intuitive, but it really makes sense. Spurgeon wrote: "He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God."
Think about it: In times of worship, do you rejoice for the times of ease and contentment? Do you instead find yourself remembering the darkest nights, the most pressing trials and the grievous sins out of which God has rescued you?
I refuse to pray for a life of ease, when all I need to pray for is His presence, and to learn to be content apart from contentment. Precious metals left in the earth are safe and untroubled as they remain unmoved within the surrounding stone. They are also worthless. But once disturbed, dug out and refined in fire, they become pure and then their true glory shines. So it is with us and His glory.
After all, part of knowing Christ is sharing in His sufferings (see Philippians 3:10).
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