God's great design in all His work is the manifestation of His own glory. Any aim less than this would be unworthy of Himself.
But how shall the glory of God be manifested in such fallen creatures as we are?
Man's eye is not single in its focus; he always has a side glance toward his own glory, 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, that there may be room for God to be exalted.
And this is the reason why He often brings His people into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when He comes to work their deliverance.
He whose life is one even and smooth path will see but little of the glory of God, for he has few occasions for self-emptying and hence but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God.
They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks shall know but little of the God of tempests; but they who are doing "business on the great waters" see "His wondrous works in the deep."*
Among the huge waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach we learn the power of Jehovah, because we find 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 loving-kindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained through no other means.
Your trials have been the crevice of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as He did His servant Moses, that you might behold His glory as it passed by.
Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance that continued prosperity might have involved, but in the great fight of affliction you have been qualified for the outshining of His glory in His wonderful dealings with you.
--- Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
Then the LORD said, "There is a place near Me where you may stand on a rock. When My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove My hand and you will see my back; but My face must not be seen." Exodus 33:21-23
*Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, His wonderful deeds in the deeps. For He spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves, they mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths.
In their peril their courage melted away, they reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wit's end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it became calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:23-30
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