I found a photocopied page from a devotional book stuck in my front door the other day. Author unknown.

My Grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9)

If none of God's saints were poor and tired, we wouldn't know half so well the consolations of divine grace. When we find a homeless wanderer with nowhere to stay who still trusts in the Lord; when we see a destitute person going hungry who still glories in Jesus; or when we see a bereaved widow overwhelmed in affliction who still has faith in Christ-oh! What honor it gives to the Gospel.

God's grace is illustrated and magnified in the afflictions and trials of believers. Saints bear up under every discouragement, believing that all things work together for their good. They believe that out of apparent evils a real blessing will ultimately spring-that their God will either work a deliverance for them speedily, or most assuredly support them in it. This patience of the saints proves the power of divine grace.

When everything is calm I can't tell how strong a house is built-a storm must rage and beat against it before I'll know it's strength. So it is with the Spirit's work. If it wasn't on many occasions surrounded by a storm, we wouldn't know that it was true and strong. If the winds didn't blow upon it, we wouldn't know how firm and secure it was. The masterworks of God are those saints who stand steadfast and unmovable in the midst of difficulties. Those who would glorify God must expect many trials. There are no great victories without great battles. So if your life is full of trials, rejoice, because you will all the more experience the all-sufficient grace and power of the Lord.