Blessed Through Trials

“Sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away” (John 16:6,7).

The greatest trial, disappointment, and sorrow to the disciples was the Lord’s departure from them. And yet it would result in their fullest and deepest blessing. Without going away, He could not have accomplished the redemptive work of the cross, nor could the gift of the Holy Spirit have been given.

How often have we proven the same to be true? Our trials provide unparalleled opportunities for our faith to be strengthened by loosening our grip on “the things which are seen” and tightening our grasp of “the things which are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

—H.M.H, adapted