Discovering God's Graces
God allows trials to develop and reveal your hidden graces, and to bring real growth in your faith.
Charles H. Spurgeon preaches about how trials and afflictions are often used by God to develop and reveal the graces within us. Just like how faith shines brighter in times of adversity, love and hope are also most evident in the midst of darkness and challenges. Through sanctified trials, God not only helps us discover our graces but also enables real growth in our spiritual journey, preparing us for His service and molding us into stronger soldiers of faith.
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"Show me wherefore thou contendest with me" (Job 10:2).
Perhaps, O tried soul, the Lord is doing this to develop thy graces. There are some of thy graces which would never have been discovered if it were not for the trials. Dost thou not know that thy faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter? Love is too oft like a glowworm, showing but little light except it be in the midst of surrounding darkness. Hope itself is like a star--not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. Afflictions are often the black folds in which God doth set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better.
It was but a little while ago that, on thy knees, thou wast saying, "Lord, I fear I have no faith: let me know that I have faith."
Was not this really, though perhaps unconsciously, praying for trials?--for how canst thou know that thou hast faith until thy faith is exercised? Depend upon it. God often sends us trials that our graces may be discovered, and that we may be certified of their existence. Besides, it is not merely discovery; real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials.
God trains His soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service. He makes them ford through streams, and swim through rivers and climb mountains, and walk many a weary mile with heavy knapsacks on their backs. Well, Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which you are passing? Is not this the reason why He is contending with you? --C. H. Spurgeon
To be left unmolested by Satan is no evidence of blessing.
Sermon Outline
- Trials Develop God's Graces
- Afflictions reveal hidden graces
- Trials lead to growth in grace
- Faith is revealed in trials
- Love shines brighter in darkness
- Hope is discovered in adversity
- Graces are set in darkness to shine
- Sanctified trials bring real growth
- God trains His soldiers in trials
Key Quotes
“Dost thou not know that thy faith never looks so grand in summer weather as it does in winter?” — Charles E. Cowman
“Love is too oft like a glowworm, showing but little light except it be in the midst of surrounding darkness.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Afflictions are often the black folds in which God doth set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Recognize that trials are opportunities for God to develop and reveal your hidden graces.
- Exercise your faith through trials, and you will see it being revealed in your actions and decisions.
- Be willing to be trained by God through sanctified trials, and you will grow in your faith and become a stronger Christian.