TRIBULATION!

Charles H. Spurgeon:

We cannot show our courage unless we have difficulties and troubles. A man cannot become a veteran soldier if he never goes to battle. No man can get his sea legs if he lives always on land. Rejoice, therefore, in your tribulations, because they give you opportunities of exhibiting a believing confidence and, thereby, glorifying the name of the Most High. But take heed that you have faith, true faith in God—do not become a puppet of impressions— much less a slave of the judgments of others. To have David’s faith, you must be as David. No man may take up a confidence of his own making— it must be a real work of the Spirit and growth of Grace within—grasping with living tendrils the promise of the living God. (1892, Sermon #2237)