Spiritual Muscle and Sinew
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him. James 1:12.
In seasons of temptation we seem to lose sight of the fact that God
tests us that our faith may be tried and be found unto praise and honor and
glory at the appearing of Jesus. The Lord places us in different positions
to develop us. If we have defects of character of which we are not aware, He
gives us discipline that will bring those defects to our knowledge, that we
may overcome them. It is His providence that brings us into varying
circumstances. In each new position, we meet a different class of
temptations. How many times when we are placed in some trying situation we
think, "This is a wonderful mistake. How I wish I had stayed where I was
before." But why is it that you are not satisfied? It is because your
circumstances have served to bring new defects in your character to your
notice, but nothing is revealed but that which was in you. . . .
It is coming in contact with difficulties that will give you spiritual
muscle and sinew. You will become strong in Christ if you endure the testing
process and the proving of God. . . . Remember when trials come that you are
a spectacle to angels and to men, and that every time you fail to bear the
proving of the Lord you are lessening your spiritual strength. You should
hold your peace from complaining, and take your burden to Jesus, and lay
your whole soul open before Him. Do not carry it to a third person. Do not
lay your burden upon humanity. Say, "I will not gratify the enemy by
murmuring. I will lay my care at the feet of Jesus. I will tell it to Him in
faith." If you do this you will receive help from above; you will realize
the fulfillment of the promise, "He is on my right hand that I should not be
moved" (see Ps. 16:8).
God's Word declares, "Many shall be purified, and made white, and
tried" (Dan. 12:10). Only he who endures the trial will receive the crown of
life.
>From That I May Know Him - Page 282
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