By Degrees — O, Beloved!

The gardener knows that if the flowers are always kept in the hot house and raised in warm temperature they cannot live outdoors. Therefore, he does not give them too much heat; by degrees, he exposes them to the cold, that eventually they can survive in the open air. The only-wise God does not keep His servants in hothouses; He tenderly exposes them to trials, so that they know how to respond when trials come.

—Beside Still Waters (Spurgeon)

So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

—1 Peter 1:7

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

—1 Peter 4:12

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So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

—1 Corinthians 4:16

Beloved? (tender)

“By degrees.”

It’s a calculated, carefully determined, intentional sort of thing, yes? Every. Single. Degree.—every second that goes by, every little prick or pang…everything is purposed by Him, ultimately for His glory and our good.

His ways are not our ways; His thoughts are not our thoughts. We…seldomly understand. Even if the gardener decided to sit down and carefully explain all of the rationale and reasoning for what he was doing, the flower wouldn’t—couldn’t—know why or how…or fully appreciate the careful and kind-hearted attention to detail prescribed. (gentle)

But O, my soul! We can take great comfort in knowing the intentionality of His ways, yes? We know He loves us. We know He is good. Let our hearts find rest in these truths, today, and always.

He wants us outside, in the sunshine. Not in the dark gloomy shed. Let us put our trust in Him.

O, beloved, my soul!—will you gladly subject yourself to His tender care? How desperately we desire to see these trials as His tender acts of love for us, His affection, His care, yes? (fragile, hopeful)

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O, Lord,

Please give us courage, be our strength. We are weak, we are fragile. All that we have and am depends upon You. You made us. (in awe) We trust in You. We wait upon You.

You are so strong and tender. We love you.

Amen.