It is in the day of trial and difficulty that the soul experiences something of the deep and untold blessedness of being able to count on God. Were all to go on smoothly, this would not be so. It is not in gliding along the surface of a tranquil lake that the reality of the Master’s presence is felt, but when the tempest roars and the waves roll over the ship.
The Lord does not hold out to us the prospect of exemption from trial and tribulation—quite the opposite. He tells us we shall have to meet both, but He promises to be with us in them, and this is infinitely better. God’s presence in the trial is much better than exemption from the trial. The sympathy of His heart with us is sweeter far than the power of His hand for us.
The Master’s presence with His faithful servants while passing through the furnace was better far than the display of His power to keep them out of it (Dan. 3). We would frequently desire to be allowed to pass on our way without trial, but this would involve serious loss. The Lord’s presence is never so sweet as in moments of appalling difficulty.
C. H. Mackintosh (from Notes on Exodus)