It is when we are “in distress,” in tight places, and narrow, and receive such circumstances rightly, and as from the Lord’s hand, that we are enlarged spiritually. For while “no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” “I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.” So when distress and trouble come, let us ask the Lord for a right attitude toward it, and for spiritual enlargement, that it might increase our Christ-likeness. Then we can say with the psalmist, “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me.” “I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy: for Thou hast considered my trouble; Thou hast known my soul in adversities; and hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: Thou hast set my feet in a large room.” “Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.” “I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.”
In my distress I sought Him;
He gave me grace to endure,
Using the things that hurt me,
To make my life more pure.
Heb. 12:11; Eccl. 3:10; Psa. 18:19; 31:7-8; 18:36; 118:5.