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"Knowing that tribulation worketh patience"
Romans 5:3
This is a promise in essence if not in form. We have need of patience, and
here we see the way of getting it. It is only by enduring that we
learn to endure, even as by swimming men learn to swim. You could not learn
that art on dry land, nor learn patience without trouble. Is it not worth
while to suffer tribulation for the sake of gaining that beautiful
equanimity of mind which quietly acquiesces in all the will of God?
Yet our text sets forth a singular fact, which is not according to nature
but is supernatural. Tribulation in and of itself worketh petulance,
unbelief, and rebellion. It is only by the sacred alchemy of grace that it
is made to work in us patience. We do not thresh the wheat to lay the dust:
yet the flail of tribulation does this upon God's floor. We do not toss a
man about in order to give him rest, and yet so the LORD dealeth with His
children. Truly this is not the manner of man but greatly redounds to the
glory of our all-wise God.
Oh, for grace to let my trials bless me! Why should I wish to stay their
gracious operation? LORD, I ask Thee to remove my affliction, but I beseech
Thee ten times more to remove my impatience.
Precious LORD Jesus, with Thy cross engrave the image of Thy patience on my
heart.
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