Light of the World
45
to determine the result as it was for the watchman to see the ships that
were scattered upon the sea.
[144]
God in his providence does not permit us to know the end from the
beginning; but he gives us the light of his word to guide us as we pass
along, and bids us to keep our minds stayed upon Jesus. Wherever we
are, whatever our employment, our hearts are to be uplifted to God
in prayer. This is being instant in prayer. We need not wait until we
can bow upon our knees, before we pray. On one occasion, when
Nehemiah came in before the king, the king asked why he looked so
sad, and what request he had to make. But Nehemiah dared not answer
at once. Important interests were at stake. The fate of a nation hung
upon the impression that should then be made upon the monarch’s
mind; and Nehemiah darted up a prayer to the God of heaven, before
he dared to answer the king. The result was that he obtained all that
he asked or even desired.
This is the course that God would have us pursue under all circum-
stances. He wants us to be minute men and women. He wants us to be
ready always to give to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope
that is within us with meekness and fear. Why with fear? It is with a
fear lest we shall not make a right impression upon the mind of the
inquirer; with a fear lest self shall not be out of sight, and the truth not
be made to appear as it is in Jesus.
I feel an intense desire that our brethren and sisters shall be correct
representatives of Jesus. Do not pierce his wounds afresh, and put
him to an open shame, by an inconsistent life. Become thoroughly
acquainted with the reasons of our faith, and show by word and act
that Christ is dwelling in your hearts by faith. May God help you to
walk with Jesus. If you do, you will be the light of the world, and in
the time of trouble he will say, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy
chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a
little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”
Monday morning, September 28.