Affliction
The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction. (C.H. Spurgeon, late British preacher)
It’s only natural to avoid affliction and trials as much as possible. Yet, we often find ourselves in trying circumstances, not always of our own doing. It’s in the way we respond to such difficulties that often determines our future success or failure. Spurgeon’s comment suggests that trials may be the very best way to gain strength and perseverance.
My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)