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Strength for Today, September 19
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them
as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call
on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and
they shall say, The Lord is my God.
Zechariah 13:9
.
By trial the Lord proves the strength of His children. Is the heart
strong to bear? Is the conscience void of offense? Does the Spirit bear
witness with our spirit that we are the children of God? This the Lord
ascertains by trying us. In the furnace of affliction He purifies us from all
dross. He sends us trials, not to cause needless pain, but to lead us to look
to Him, to strengthen our endurance, to teach us that if we do not rebel,
but put our trust in Him, we shall see of His salvation....
Christ’s love for His children is as strong as it is tender. It is a love
stronger than death, for He died for us. It is a love more true than that of
a mother for her children. The mother’s love may change, but Christ’s
love is changeless. “I am persuaded,” Paul says, “that neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able
to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”
(
Romans 8:38, 39
).
In every trial we have strong consolation. Is not our Saviour touched
with the feeling of our infirmities? Has He not been tempted in all points
like as we are? And has He not invited us to take every trial and perplexity
to Him? Then let us not make ourselves miserable over tomorrow’s
burdens. Bravely and cheerfully carry the burdens of today. Today’s trust
and faith we must have. But we are not asked to live more than a day at a
time. He who gives strength for today will give strength for tomorrow....
Nothing wounds the soul like the sharp darts of unbelief. When trial
comes, as it will, do not worry or complain. Silence in the soul makes
more distinct the voice of God. “Then are they glad because they be quiet”
(
Psalm 107:30
). Remember that underneath you are the everlasting arms.
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him” (
Psalm 37:7
). He is guiding
you into a harbor of gracious experience.
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