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In Times of Trial, May 2
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
.
Christ dwells in him who receives Him by faith. Though trials may come
upon the soul, yet the Lord’s presence will be with us. The burning bush
in which was the Lord’s presence did not consume away. The fire did not
extinguish a fiber of the branches. Thus will it be with the feeble human
agent who puts his trust in Christ. The furnace fire of temptation may burn,
persecution and trial may come, but only the dross will be consumed. The
gold will shine brighter because of the process of purification.
Greater is He that is in the heart of the faithful, than he that controls the
hearts of unbelievers. Complain not bitterly of the trial which comes upon
you, but let your eyes be directed to Christ, who has clothed His divinity
with humanity, in order that we may understand how great His interest in us
since He has identified Himself with suffering humanity. He tasted the cup of
human sorrow, He was afflicted in all our afflictions, He was made perfect
through suffering, tempted in all points like as humanity is tempted, in order
that He might succor those who are in temptation.
He says, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man
than the golden wedge of Ophir” (
Isaiah 13:12
). He will make a man precious
by abiding with Him, by giving unto him the Holy Spirit. He says, “If ye
then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much
more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
(
Luke 11:13
).
The Lord has instructed us to call God our Father, to regard Him as the
fountain of paternal affection, the source of the love that has been flowing
from century to century through the channel of the human heart. All the pity,
compassion, and love which have been manifested in the earth have emanated
from the throne of God, and, compared to the love that dwells in His heart,
are as a fountain to an ocean. His love is perpetually flowing forth to make
the weak strong, to make the fainthearted firm, and give moral courage to the
wavering. God works through Christ, and man may come unto the Father in
the name of the Son. Our science and our song is “Hear what the Lord hath
done for my soul.”—
The Signs of the Times, March 5, 1896
.
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