Bruised reeds!
"He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick" Matthew 12:20
We have but one life, and it must be lived for God. But we need preparation for usefulness. We need a thorough breaking down, a thorough emptying, a thorough bruising. God cannot trust us with success, until we are thus laid low. We are not fit to receive it; nor would He get the glory. Therefore He sends sore and heavy trials in order to make us vessels fit for the Master's use.
Oftentimes we see that the heaviest trials, are forerunners of our greatest usefulness. When we are entirely prostrated and crushed — then it is safe for God to grant us success, for then He gets all the glory.
And oh, what wonders has God often done by bruised reeds! Yes, it is the bruised reed which is most often the instrument in His hand for working His mighty signs and wonders.
What consolation is this! Suffering is stripped of half its bitterness, if it thus brings with it a double portion of the Spirit, and fits for double usefulness on earth.