Re: Difficulties

For if Jesus had not been crucified none could now be saved. If there were no testing by fire then true faith would not shine forth. If the rock is not split open then the water of life cannot flow forth. So difficulties are the means for promoting life and revival in the churches.

To carnal men, this is unfortunate, but for Christians this is like a rich banquet. This lesson cannot be learned from books. This sweetness cannot be tasted by carnal men. This rich spiritual life does not exist in a comfortable environment. Where there is no cross, there is no crown. If the spices are not refined to become oil, then the fragrance cannot flow forth. If grapes are not crushed in the vat, they will not become wine.

                        --Portion, letter from a house church
                                        Fangcheng, China

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Mat 10:38-39)

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (Jas 1:2-5)

Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Rom 5:3-4)
(VW)