Unlimited: God Balances Our Trials and Consolations
Jun 24, 2020 1550
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Cor 1:5, KJV).
The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales—in this side He puts His people’s trials, and in that He puts their consolations. When the scale of trial is nearly empty, you will always find the scale of consolation in nearly the same condition; and when the scale of trials is full, you will find the scale of consolation just as heavy…
One reason is that trials make more room for consolation. Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. God comes into our heart—He finds it full—He begins to break our comforts and to make it empty; then there is more room for grace….
Another reason why we are often most happy in our troubles is this—then we have the closest dealings with God. When the barn is full, man can live without God: when the purse is bursting with gold, we try to do without so much prayer. There is no prayer half so hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions. Hence they bring us to God, and we are happier; for nearness to God is happiness.
– Charles Spurgeon (adapted)
Eli’s Reflection: Spurgeon is telling us here that, paradoxically, great troubles lead to happiness. Perhaps you are going through some kind of trouble right now; and if not, you probably know someone who is. Take some time to pray that this trouble will lead to closeness to God and to happiness, in spite of the suffering.
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