It is natural to murmur when things go wrong; it is supernatural to hold our peace (Leviticus 10:3). It is natural to be disappointed when our plans miscarry; it is supernatural to bow to His appointments. It is natural to want our own way; it is supernatural to say, "not my will, but Thine be done" (Luke 22:42). It is natural to rebel when a loved one is taken from us by death; it is supernatural to say from the heart: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).

As God is truly made our Portion, we learn to admire His wisdom and to know He does all things well. Thus the heart is kept in "perfect peace" as the mind is stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Here, then, is another sure test: if your Bible study is teaching you that God's way is best, and causing you to submit unrepiningly [without complaint, unhappiness, or discontent] to all His dispensations, if you are enabled to give thanks for all things (Ephesians 5:20), then are you profiting indeed.

~ AW Pink