“They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;”– Hebrews 11:37
That is, they were tried; and the design of their enemies by these trials was, to draw or drive them from the Lord. Their trials were of the most cruel kind, but they found that as their day, so was their strength.
Brethren, we shall be tempted; Satan is not dead, no, nor yet asleep; the world is not reconciled to godliness; nor are we free from indwelling sin. It is not our sin to be tempted – this is our trial; but it is our sin if we yield. God has promised strength, wisdom and grace; and we should seek these, that we may be able to withstand, and so overcome every trial. We may expect to be tempted daily, for Satan goeth about; and if at any moment that we are off our guard, that is the time he is most likely to beset us.
Let us keep close to Jesus who is the great Shepherd of the sheep; let us keep our eye on our Father’s house; and let us aim in all things at God’s glory, and temptation shall not harm us. Blessed be the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. If the enemy come in like a flood, we may still sing–
His oath, His covenant and blood
Support me in the sinking flood;
When all around my soul gives way
Jesus is all my hope and stay:
On Christ the solid rock I stand;–
All other ground is sinking sand.
– By James Smith, 1840, a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon.
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
