"An average view of the Christian life is that it means deliverance from trouble. It is deliverance in trouble, which is very different. If you are a child of God, there certainly will be troubles to meet, but Jesus says do not be surprised when they come... God does not give us overcoming life: He gives us life as we overcome. The strain is the strength. If there is no strain, there is no strength. Are you asking God to give you life and liberty and joy? He cannot, unless you will accept the strain. Immediately you face the strain, you will get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the step, and God will give you to eat of the tree of life and you will get nourishment. If you spend yourself out physically, you become exhausted; but spend yourself spiritually, and you get more strength. God never gives strength for to-morrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute. The temptation is to face difficulties from a common-sense standpoint. The saint is hilarious when he is crushed with difficulties because the thing is so ludicrously impossible to anyone but God." -- Oswald Chamber, My Utmost for His Highest
Too often we see our spiritual strength like a set of tires that wear out the more they're used, but spiritual health is more like an immune system that grows stronger the more it learns how to fight. The more it is exposed to threat the stronger it is. It is like a muscle that grows as it is exercised.
Proverbs 11:25
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.
Spiritual strength poured out for the glory of God and the good of others produces more spiritual strength, not less.
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