October 7, Morning
C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling
"Wherefore hast Thou afflicted Thy servant?" — Numbers 11:11 · KJV
Our heavenly Father sends us frequent troubles to test our faith. If our faith is worth anything, it will stand the test. Gilt is afraid of fire, but gold is not; the paste gem dreads the touch of the diamond, but the true jewel fears no test. It is a poor faith that can trust God only when friends are true, the body healthy, and business profitable; but it is true faith that holds by the Lord's faithfulness when friends are gone, the body is sick, the spirits are low, and the light of our Father's countenance is hidden. A faith that can say, in the direst trouble, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him," is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts His servants to glorify Himself, for He is greatly glorified in the graces of His people, which are His own handiwork. When "tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope," the Lord is honored by these growing virtues. We would never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched, nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress, nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten, nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which His vessels of mercy are allowed to pass. Present afflictions also heighten future joy. There must be shadows in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights. Could we be so supremely blessed in heaven, had we never known the curse of sin and the sorrow of earth? Will not peace be sweeter after conflict, and rest more welcome after toil? Will not the memory of past sufferings deepen the bliss of the glorified? There are many other comforting answers to the question we began with; let us muse on it all day long.