The Value of Trial
En Route to Copenhagen,
July 16, 1886
To the Medical Superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium
My Dear Brother,
I have the most tender love for you, and I would that those who are
pursuing you with reproach would let you alone. But, my brother, you
must remember that these perplexities and annoyances are included in
the “all things” that work together for good to those who love God. The
Lord’s eye is upon you, and He beholds those who would misrepresent
you and tear you to pieces. But if you will be of good courage, if you
will stay your soul upon God, if you will trust your heavenly Father
as a child trusts its parent, if you will deal justly and love mercy, God
can and will work with you. His promise is sure: “Them that honor
Me I will honor.”
1 Samuel 2:30
.
Remember that your experience is not the first of the kind. You know
the history of Joseph and of Daniel. The Lord did not prevent
the plottings of wicked men; but He caused their devices to
work for good to those who, amidst trial and conflict, preserved
their faith and loyalty.
The furnace fires are not to destroy, but to refine, ennoble, sanctify.
Without trial we should not feel so much our need of God and His
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help; and we should become proud and self-sufficient. In the trials that
come to you I see evidence that the Lord’s eye is upon you and that He
means to draw you to Himself. It is not the whole, but the wounded,
who need a physician; it is those who are pressed almost beyond the
point of endurance who need a helper. Turn to the stronghold. Learn
the precious lesson: “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.”
Matthew
11:28-30
.
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