We read in the book of Samuel that the moment that David was crowned at Hebron
– “All the Philistines came up to seek David” (2 Samuel 5:17).
The moment we get anything from the Lord worth contending for –
– then the devil comes to seek us.
When the enemy meets us at the threshold of any great work for God, let us accept it as “a token of salvation,” and claim double blessing, victory, and power.
Power is developed by resistance. The cannon carries twice as far because the exploding power has to find its way through resistance. The way electricity is produced in the powerhouse yonder is by the sharp friction of the revolving wheels.
And so we shall find some day that even Satan has been one of God’s agencies of blessing. Tribulation is the way to triumph! The valley-way opens into the highway.
Tribulation’s imprint is on all great things. Crowns are cast in crucibles! Chains of character that wind about the feet of God are forged in earthly flames. No man is greatest victor till he has trodden the winepress of woe.
With seams of anguish deep in His brow, the “Man of Sorrows” said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation”-
-but after this sob comes the psalm of promise, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Scars are the price of scepters! Bloodmarks stain the steps that lead to thrones. Our crowns will be wrested from the giants we conquer. Grief has always been the lot of greatness.
Tribulation has always marked the trail of the true reformer! It is the story of Paul, Luther, Savonarola, Knox, Wesley…. And all the rest of the mighty army! They came through great tribulation to their place of power. It is an open secret! Every great book has been written with the author’s blood!
“These are they that have come out of great tribulation.” Who wrote the fadeless dream of “Pilgrim’s Progress”? A prince in royal purple upon a couch of comfort? No! The trailing splendor of that vision gilded the dingy walls of old Bedford jail while John Bunyan, a princely prisoner, a glorious genius, made a faithful transcript of the scene.
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the
gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
(PR)