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Testimonies for the Church Volume 8
for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed
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are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say
all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be
exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted
they the prophets which were before you.”
John 16:33
;
Matthew 5:10-
12
.
Jesus has not left you to be amazed at the trials and difficulties you
meet. He has told you all about them, and He has told you also not
to be cast down and oppressed when trials come. Look to Jesus, your
Redeemer, and be cheerful and rejoice. The trials hardest to bear are
those that come from our brethren, our own familiar friends; but even
these trials may be borne with patience. Jesus is not lying in Joseph’s
new tomb. He has risen and has ascended to heaven, there to intercede
in our behalf. We have a Saviour who so loved us that He died for us,
that through Him we might have hope and strength and courage, and a
place with Him upon His throne. He is able and willing to help you
whenever you call upon Him.
If you try to carry your burdens alone you will be crushed under
them. You have heavy responsibilities. Jesus knows about them, and
He will not leave you alone if you do not leave Him. He is honored
when you commit the keeping of your soul to Him as unto a faithful
Creator. He bids you hope in His mercy, believing that He does not
desire you to carry these weighty responsibilities in your own strength.
Only believe, and you will see the salvation of God.
Do you feel your insufficiency for the position of trust that you
occupy? Thank God for this. The more you feel your weakness, the
more you will be inclined to seek for a helper. “Draw nigh to God, and
He will draw nigh to you.”
James 4:8
. Jesus wants you to be happy, to
be cheerful. He wants you to do your best with the ability that God
has given you and then trust the Lord to help you and to raise up those
who will be your helpers in carrying burdens.
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Let not the unkind speeches of men hurt you. Did not men say
unkind things about Jesus? You err, and may sometimes give occasion
for unkind remarks; but Jesus never did. He was pure, spotless, unde-
filed. Do not expect a better portion in this life than the Prince of glory
had. When your enemies see that they can make you feel hurt, they
will rejoice, and Satan will rejoice. Look to Jesus, and work with an
eye single to His glory. Keep your heart in the love of God.