It is in the day of trial 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 actually 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. He tells us we shall have to meet such, but He promises to be with us in trials, and this is infinitely better.
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 Gems From My Reading)