Deuteronomy 5:24

God’s great design in all his works is the manifestation of his own glory. Any aim less than this would be unworthy of himself. But how can the glory of God be manifested to such fallen creatures as we are? Man’s eye is not single; he always has a side glance towards his own honor, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord.

It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, so that there may be room for God to be exalted. This is the reason why he often brings his people into straits and difficulties, so that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when he comes forth to work their deliverance.

He whose life is one even and smooth path will see little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions for self-emptying, and therefore little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God. Those who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know little of the God of tempests; but those who do business in great waters, these see his wonders in the deep. Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man.

Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this that has given you your experience of God’s greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means. Your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as he did his servant Moses, so that you might behold his glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of his glory in his wonderful dealings with you.