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  THROUGH PRESSURES WE GROW
  by William MacDonald
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Summary: Pressure is a necessary part of our growth and development as
Christians, helping us develop patience and producing real goodness in
our character.

Topics: "Growth through Trials", "The Value of Suffering"
Scripture References: Psalm 4:1, Hebrews 12:11, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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William MacDonald emphasizes that through pressures and tribulations, we
experience growth and development in our character. He highlights that
challenges are essential for progress, as even secular thinkers
recognize the value of problems in fostering resilience. MacDonald
shares testimonies from the Christian community, illustrating how
suffering can lead to eternal benefits and deeper understanding. He
quotes Spurgeon, who reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from
affliction, suggesting that hardships are crucial for spiritual growth.
Ultimately, MacDonald reassures that while chastening is unpleasant, it
yields the fruit of goodness in those who endure it.

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CONTENT
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Â"In pressure thou hast enlarged me.Â" (Psa. 4:1 Darby)

It is true that Â"calm seas never made a sailor.Â" It is through
tribulation that we develop patience. It is through pressure that we are
enlarged.

Even men of the world have realized that difficulties have educative and
broadening values. Charles Kettering once said, Â"Problems are the price
of progress. DonÂ't bring me anything but problems. Good news weakens
me.Â"

But especially from the Christian world come testimonies to the profit
derived from trials.

We read, for instance, Â"To suffer passes, but to have suffered endures
for eternity.Â"

The poet adds this confirmation:

And many a rapturous minstrel among those sons of light

Will say of his sweetest music, Â"I learnt it in the night;Â"

And many a rolling anthem that fills the FatherÂ's home

Sobbed out its first rehearsal in the shade of a darkened room.

Spurgeon wrote, in his inimitable way:

Â"I am afraid that all the grace I have got out of my comfortable and
easy times and happy hours might almost lie on a penny. But the good I
have received from my sorrows and pains and griefs is altogether
incalculable. What do I not owe to the hammer and the file? Affliction
is the best bit of furniture in my house.Â"

And yet why should we be surprised? Does not the unnamed writer to the
Hebrews tell us, Â"Now obviously no Â'chasteningÂ' seems pleasant at the
time: it is in fact most unpleasant. Yet when it is all over we can see
that it has quietly produced the fruit of real goodness in the character
of those who have accepted itÂ" (Heb. 12:11, Phillips).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/william-macdonald/through-pressures-we-grow/
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