There is a lighthouse out at sea. It is a calm night; I cannot tell whether the edifice is firm.  The tempest must rage about it, and then, I will know whether it will stand.  So it is with the Spirit’s work.  If it were not on many occasions surrounded with tempestuous waters, we would not know that it was true and strong; if the winds did not blow on it, we would not know how firm and secure it was.  The masterpieces of God are those who stand steadfast and unmovable in the midst of difficulties—“Calm mid the bewildering cry, confident of victory.”  He who would glorify his God must set his account on meeting with many trials…If yours, then, is a much tried path, rejoice in it, because you will all the better show forth the all-sufficient grace of God. As for His failing you, never dream of it—hate the thought.  The God who has been sufficient until now should be trusted to the end. 

                                           -Charles Haddon Spurgeon

You can read it all here.

He also writes, “God’s grace is illustrated and magnified in the poverty and trials of believers.”

I read these words this morning and immediately thought about saving them to pass on to Mark (to use in a Sunday lesson) but then I thought I should share it with you as well…

Would that trials were not necessary, but bless the Lord that they are for otherwise we would not know the true extent of our faith.