March 4

The Benefit of Trials

My grace is sufficient for you. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

If none of God's saints were poor and tried, we should not know half so well the consolations of divine grace. When we find the wanderer who has nowhere to lay his head who still can say, "I will trust in the Lord," or when we see the pauper starving on bread and water who still glories in Jesus, when we see the bereaved widow overwhelmed in affliction and yet having faith in Christ--oh, what honor it reflects on the Gospel.

God's grace is illustrated and magnified in the poverty and trials of believers. Saints bear up under every discouragement, believing that all things work together for their good, and that out of apparent evils a real blessing shall ultimately spring--that their God will either work a deliverance for them speedily or most assuredly support them in the trouble, as long as He is pleased to keep them in it. This patience of the saints proves the power of divine grace.

There is a lighthouse out at sea: It is a calm night--I cannot tell whether the edifice is firm. The tempest must rage about it, and then I shall know whether it will stand. So with the Spirit's work: If it were not on many occasions surrounded with tempestuous waters, we would not know that it was true and strong; if the winds did not blow upon it, we would not know how firm and secure it was. The masterworks of God are those men who stand in the midst of difficulties steadfast, unmovable-- Calm mid the bewildering cry, Confident of victory. The one who would glorify his God must be prepared to meet with many trials. No one can be illustrious before the Lord unless his conflicts are many.

If, then, yours is a much-tried path, rejoice in it, because you will be better able to display the all-sufficient grace of God. As for His failing you, never dream of it--hate the thought. The God who has been sufficient until now should be trusted to the end.

Family Bible reading plan

verse 1 Exodus 15

verse 2 Luke 18

Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs

Distinguished theologian, J.I. Packer, presents a comprehensive inventory of Christian beliefs and theological tenants in straightforward language that’s easy to understand. Covering a wide sweep of topics, including revelation, omniscience, predestination, regeneration, and justification, to name a few, Packer applies his unique insight into the Scripture, and to the nature of God, to explain 94 essential beliefs in brief, clear summaries. Concise Theology is not only a ‘must have’ resource for followers of Christ to fully understand the permanent foundations of Christianity, but also serves a timeless reference guide to revisit over and over throughout a believer’s journey of understanding.
 
 

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From Morning & Evening revised and edited by Alistair Begg copyright © 2003. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.