Sept. 21
LET TRIALS BLESS
"Knowing that tribulation worketh patience" Rom. 5:3
This is a promise in essence if not in form. We have need of
patience, and here we see the way of getting it. It is only by
enduring that we learn to endure, even as by swimming men learn to
swim. You could not learn that art on dry land, nor learn patience
without trouble. Is it not worth while to suffer tribulation for the
sake of gaining that beautiful equanimity of mind which quietly
acquiesces in all the will of God?
Yet our text sets forth a singular fact, which is not according to
nature, but is supernatural. Tribulation in and of itself worketh
petulance, unbelief, and rebellion. It is only by the sacred alchemy
of grace that it is made to work in us patience. We do not thresh the
wheat to lay the dust: yet the flail of tribulation does this upon
God's floor. We do not toss a man about in order to give him rest, and
yet so the Lord dealeth with His children. Truly this is not the
manner of man, but greatly redounds to the glory of our all-wise God.
Oh, for grace to let my trials bless me! Why should I wish to stay
their gracious operation? Lord, I ask thee to remove my affliction,
but I beseech thee ten times more to remove my impatience. Precious
Lord Jesus, with thy cross engrave the image of thy patience on my
heart.