The greatest temptation out of hell is to live without trials. A pool of standing water will turn stagnant. Faith grows more with a sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withers without adversity. You can't sneak quietly into heaven with a cross. Crosses form us into his image. They cut away the pieces of our corruption. Lord cut, carve, wound; Lord do anything to perfect your image in us and make us fit for glory. We need winnowing before we can enter the kingdom of God. O what I owe to the file, hammer, and furnace! Why should I be surprised at the plough that makes such deep furrows in my soul? Whatever direction the wind blows, it will blow us to the Lord. His hand will direct us safely to the heavenly shore to find the eternal weight of glory. As we look back to our pains and sufferings, we shall see that suffering is worthy to be compared to our first night's welcome home in heaven. If we could smell of heaven and our country above, our crosses would not bite us.
-- Samuel Rutherford
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