It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body is healthy, the business is profitable, and the desires of our hearts are met; but that is true faith which holds by the Lord's faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when desires are not yet received, and the light of our Father's countenance is hidden.
"If our faith be worth anything, it will stand the test."
"When "tribulation works 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 utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which his vessels of mercy are permitted to pass." Spurgeon
One thing I have noticed is that present afflictions tend to heighten future joy. As the saying goes, "There must be shades in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights."
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