There is no situation so hopeless as to make it impossible for the glory of God to break in; no situation that can shut God out and be too impossible for a fresh manifestation of His glory.
– T. Austin-Sparks –
Hardship
Becoming Like the Lord – George Müller
It ill becomes the servant to seek to be rich, and great, and honoured in that world where his Lord was poor, and mean, and despised.
– George Müller –
Patience and Affliction – Thomas Adams
Patience must not be an inch shorter than affliction.
– Thomas Adams –
1583–1653
The Joy of Trials and Struggles – John Flavel
Have we not with joy observed how those very things that sense and reason tell us are opposite to our happiness have been the most blessed instruments to promote it! How has God blessed crosses to mortify corruption, wants to kill our wantonness, disappointments to wean us from the world! O we little think how comfortable those things will be in the review, which are so burdensome to present sense!
– John Flavel –
from The Mystery of Providence, 1678
Suffering a Little – Thomas Watson
“After ye have suffered a while” (1 Peter 5:10), or as it is in the Greek, “a little.” Our sufferings may be lasting, not everlasting.
– Thomas Watson –
1620-1686
How Great Faith is Produced – Smith Wigglesworth
Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.
– Smith Wigglesworth –
Faith That is Tried – George Müller
If we, indeed, desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and, therefore, through the trial, be strengthened.
– George Müller –
from Answers to Prayer
1805-1898
God’s Special Providence – William Perkins
The consideration of God’s special providence should teach you to think of the presence of God as all-seeing and all-knowing, to seek his help, and also to believe that you are helped in all things, and finally that there is no danger so terrible but he is able and willing to deliver you from it, when it is fit.
– William Perkins –
from The Art of Prophesying, 1592
The Lord Will Provide – Charles Spurgeon
Onward, soldiers of the cross, where Jesus has led the way. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath you are the everlasting arms. You are not called upon to go a warfare at your own charges, neither are you left alone in the battle: the banner which waves over you bears the soul-assuring motto, “Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord will provide.”
– Charles Spurgeon –