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The Gentle and Caring Shepherd, July 24
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his
arm, and carry them in his bosom.
Isaiah 40:11
.
True workers walk and work by faith. Sometimes they grow weary with watching
the slow advance of the work when the battle wages strong between the powers of
good and evil. But if they refuse to fail or be discouraged they will see the clouds
breaking away and the promise of deliverance fulfilling. Through the mist with
which Satan has surrounded them, they will see the shining of the bright beams of
the Sun of Righteousness.
Work in faith, and leave results with God. Pray in faith, and the mystery of His
providence will bring its answer. At times it may seem that you cannot succeed. But
work and believe, putting into your efforts faith, hope, and courage. After doing
what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His faithfulness, and He will bring His
word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust.
“If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
(
Romans 8:31, 32
) (
Testimonies for the Church 7:245
).
Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know
nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme
will find perplexities vanish and a plain path before their feet.
The faithful discharge of today’s duties is the best preparation for tomorrow’s
trials. Do not gather together all tomorrow’s liabilities and cares and add them to
the burden of today....
Let us be hopeful and courageous. Despondency in God’s service is sinful and
unreasonable. He knows our every necessity. To the omnipotence of the King
of kings our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of the tender
shepherd. His power is absolute, and it is the pledge of the sure fulfillment of His
promises to all who trust in Him. He has means for the removal of every difficulty,
that those who serve Him and respect the means He employs may be sustained. His
love is as far above all other love as the heavens are above the earth. He watches
over His children with a love that is measureless and everlasting.
In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, have faith in God.
He is working out His will, doing all things well in behalf of His people. The
strength of those who love and serve Him will be renewed day by day.
He is able and willing to bestow upon His servants all the help they need. He
will give them the wisdom which their varied necessities demand (
The Ministry of
Healing, 481, 482
).
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