"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for
a little while, if need be, you have been
grieved by various trials, that the
genuineness of your faith, being much more
precious than gold that perishes, though it is
tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor,
and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1
Peter1:6-7
Untested faith
may be true faith, but it is sure to be small faith,
and it is likely to remain little as long as it is
without trials. Faith never prospers so well as when
all things are against her: Tempests are her
trainers, and bolts of lightning are her
illuminators.
When a calm reigns on
the sea, spread the sails as you will, the ship does
not move to its harbor; for on a slumbering ocean
the keel sleeps too. Let the winds rush and howl,
and let the waters lift themselves, though the
vessel may rock and her deck may be washed with
waves and her mast may creak under the pressure of
the full and swelling sail, it is then that she
makes headway toward her desired haven.
No flowers are as
lovely a blue as those that grow at the foot of the
frozen glacier; no stars gleam as brightly as those
that glisten in the midnight sky; no water tastes as
sweet as that which springs up in the desert sand;
and no faith is so precious as that which lives and
triumphs in adversity.
Tested faith brings
experience. You could not have believed your own
weakness if you had not been compelled to pass
through the rivers; and you would never have known
God’s strength if you had not been supported
in the flood. Faith increases in quality, assurance,
and intensity the more it is exercised with
tribulation. Faith is precious, and its trial is
precious too.
Do not let this,
however, discourage those who are young in faith.
You will have trials enough without seeking them:
The full portion will be measured out to you in due
course.
Meanwhile, if you
cannot yet claim the result of long experience,
thank God for what grace you have; praise Him for
that degree of holy confidence you have now
attained: Walk according to that rule, and you will
still have more and more of the blessing of God,
until your faith will remove mountains and conquer
impossibilities.
Morning and
Evening, November 12, by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
My foot has held fast to His steps;
I have kept His way and not turned aside.
I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth
More than my necessary food." Job 23:10-12