Tag: Trouble

Why so much trouble?

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A.B. Simpsonby A.B. Simpson

We were troubled on every side —2 Corinthians 7:5

Why should God have to lead us through troubles and allow the pressure to be so hard and constant?

In the first place, it shows His all-sufficient strength and grace much better than if we were exempt from pressure and trial. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Also, it makes us more conscious of our dependence upon God. God is constantly trying to teach us our dependence and to hold us absolutely in His hand and hanging upon His care.

This was the place where Jesus Himself stood and where He wants us to stand, not with a self constituted strength, but with a hand ever leaning upon His, and a trust that dares not take one step alone.

Troubles teach us trust. There is no way of learning faith except by trial. It is God’s school of faith, and it is far better for us to learn to trust God than to escape trials.

The lesson of faith, once learned, is an everlasting acquisition and an eternal fortune made. Without trust even riches will leave us poor.

by A.B. Simpson

But for this one day of life, which is already half over!

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Charles Spurgeonby Charles Spurgeon

“Flowers from a Puritan’s Garden” 1883

“If a man might own a humble cottage for a hundred years–he would prize it much more than the possession of a palace for a day!”

Of course he would! This is what adds so much preciousness to the joys of Heaven–for they are eternal! The fleeting pleasures of this world, however bright they seem–are but for this one day of life, which is already half over! If they were all they profess to be, and a thousand times more–they would not be worthy to be mentioned in comparison with “eternal pleasures” at God’s right hand!

O You who fill eternity, impress me with the solemn import of Your Word, and let me feel that all time’s fleeting cares and caresses are as dreams; while the things of eternity alone have substance in them. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

“And so we will be with the Lord forever!” 1 Thessalonians 4:17

“And they will reign for ever and ever!” Revelation 22:5

“I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!” Philippians 1:23

by Charles Spurgeon