Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow! God granted him that which he requested.
These variable experiences of ours may truly be blessings to us, when, had we been always rejoicing, we might have been like Moab, “…at rest from youth, like wine left on its dregs, not poured from one jar to another...” It is not healthy for those who have no changes in life; they do not fear God. Haven’t we, dear friends, sometimes envied those persons that are always calm and unruffled, and are never troubled in their minds? Well, there are Christians whose constancy of temper deserves to be emulated. And as for that calm repose, that unwavering assurance which comes from the Spirit of God, it is a very delightful attainment; but I am not sure that we ought to envy anybody’s lot because it is more tranquil or less exposed to storm and tempest than our own. 