Let me know why You contend with me....

"I will say to God, 'Do not condemn me;

Let me know why You contend with me."

Job 10:2

 

Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop your gifts. There are some of your gifts which would never have been discovered if it were not for the trials. Do you not know that your faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter? Love is too often like a glowworm, showing but little light except it be 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 sets the jewels of His children's gifts, to make them shine the better.

 

It was but a little while ago that, on your knees, you were saying, "Lord, I fear I have no faith: let me know that I have faith."

 

Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously, praying for trials?--for how can you know that you have faith until your faith is exercised? Depend upon it. God often sends us trials that our gifts may be discovered, and that we may be certain of their existence. Besides, it is not merely discovery; real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials.

 

God trains His soldiers, not in 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 not this the reason why He is contending with you?
--C. H. Spurgeon

 

To be left unmolested by Satan is no evidence of blessing.

Amen!!!  I guess this is "Spurgeon Week!"  So much wonderful truth here.  I am blessed that God continues to remind me that being tethered to Him is far more important than my circumstances.  Praise Him.