Grief
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were a reality, the less you have of the society of this class the better.
They are not your friends but your worst enemies. The Lord would
have you be cheerful.
You have buried dear friends; so have I; but I dare not ask, Why
hast Thou cast me into the furnace? Why have I been afflicted again
and again? The answer comes back to me down along the lines, “What
I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter” (
John 13:7
).
God’s purposes are often veiled in mystery; they are incomprehen-
sible to finite minds; but He who sees the end from beginning knows
better than we. What we need is to cleanse us from earthliness, to
perfect our Christian character, that the robe of Christ’s righteousness
shall be put upon us.—Lt 1, 1883.
Work for Others Lessens Grief—The apostle lost sight of his
own approaching sufferings in his solicitude for those whom he was
about to leave to cope with prejudice, hatred, and persecution. The
few Christians who accompanied him to the place of execution, he
endeavored to strengthen and encourage by repeating the promises
given for those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. He assured
them that nothing would fail of all that the Lord had spoken concerning
His tried and faithful children.
For a little season they might be in heaviness through manifold
temptation; they might be destitute of earthly comfort; but they could
encourage their hearts with the assurance of God’s faithfulness, saying,
“I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to
keep that which I have committed unto Him.” Soon the night of trial
and suffering would come to an end, and then would dawn the glad
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morning of peace and perfect day.—
The Review and Herald, January
4, 1912
.
The Best Comforters—Those who have borne the greatest sor-
rows are frequently the ones who carry the greatest comfort to others,
bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such ones have been chastened
and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not lose confidence in God
when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to His protecting love.
Such ones are a living proof of the tender care of God, who makes
the darkness as well as the light, and chastens us for our good. Christ
is the light of the world; in Him is no darkness. Precious light! Let
us live in that light! Bid adieu to sadness and repining. “Rejoice in