John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you,
that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
My LORD's words are true as to the tribulation.
I have my share of it beyond all doubt.
The
flail is not hung up out of the way, nor can I hope that it will be
laid aside so long as I lie upon the threshing floor, How can I look to
be at home in the enemy's country, joyful while in exile, or
comfortable in a wilderness?
This is
not my rest.
This is the place of the furnace, and the forge, and the
hammer.
My experience tallies with my LORD's words.
I note how
He bids me "be of good cheer."
Alas! I am far too apt to be downcast.
My spirit soon sinks when I am sorely tried.
But I must not give way to
this feeling.
When my LORD bids me cheer up I must not dare to be cast down.
What is the argument which He uses to encourage me?
Why, it is His own victory.
He says, "I have overcome the world."
His battle was much more severe than mine.
I have not yet resisted unto blood.
Why do I despair of overcoming?
See, my soul, the enemy has been once overcome.
I fight with a beaten
foe.
O world, Jesus has already vanquished thee; and in me, by His
grace, He will overcome thee again.
Therefore am I of good cheer and
sing unto my conquering LORD.
~Charles Spurgeon~
God often does better for us than we ask.
We go to Him with our little requests.
We are in need and ask for temporal relief.
We are suffering and
ask that our pain may cease.
We are poor and ask Him for more money.
We are just like the beggar, holding out our hands for paltry alms to eke out the day's need.
Then God looks down upon us and says, "My child, are these little trifles all
you want Me to give to you..daily bread, clothing, fuel for your fire,
medicine for your sickness, comfort for your grief?
The small things to
supply your common needs...are these the only gifts and blessings you
want and ask from the hand of your heavenly Father, who has infinite
treasures to give to you?
Yet thousands never get beyond just such requests in their praying!
Bowing daily before a God of infinite power and love, in whose hands are unsearchable riches.
They never ask for anything but fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets!
They ask only for things for their bodies, or to beautify their homes
making no requests for the heavenly and spiritual gifts that God has
for their souls!
We should learn to ask for the best things in all God's treasure house!
Col
3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are
above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection
on things above, not on things on the earth.
~J. R. Miller~
