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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
constantly on the stretch for some expected, far-off good greater
than they possess, and are ever in a state of disappointment. They
cherish unbelief and ingratitude, in that they overlook the blessings
right in their pathway. The common, everyday blessings of life are
unwelcome to them, as was the manna to the children of Israel.
Sister G is addressed by Christ: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor
and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon
you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye
shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden
is light.” The words, deportment, and general example of Sister G
teach a lesson entirely different from that taught by our Lord. She
loses much in overlooking the present blessings within her grasp
and uneasily searching for happiness. Her efforts are unrewarded,
and her fruitless search makes great unhappiness for herself and for
all who associate with her. Her unrest, her anxious, troubled spirit,
is expressed in her countenance and casts a shadow. This gloom,
unbelief, and discontent encourages the temptations of the enemy.
By her continual distrust, by borrowing trouble, she casts a shadow
instead of shedding a sunbeam.
Brother G should be patient and forbearing, and carefully shield
her from unnecessary burdens; for she is not prepared to bear them.
She, in her turn, should watch against the incoming foe, should
take up her life burdens unmurmuringly and bear them with cheer-
fulness, sweetening them all with gratitude because they are no
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heavier. Brother G is prone to look upon the dark side. He should
hold himself in readiness to do the will of God and use to the very
best advantage the influence which God has given him. He should
cheerfully perform the duties of today and not borrow tomorrow’s
trouble to make himself miserable over. He has not to perform the
duties of next week, but the work and duties which the day brings.
Brother and Sister G should unite their influence in saying: “Suf-
ficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” It is a misfortune to borrow
the trouble of next week to embitter the present week. When real
trouble comes, God will fit every meek and lowly one to bear it.
When His providence permits it to come, He will provide help to
endure it. Fretting and murmuring cloud and stain the soul, and shut
out the bright sunlight from the pathway of others.