“I will surely do thee good.” Genesis 32:12
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at a church in London. While I marvel at the beautiful word pictures from Spurgeon, I don’t know of anyone who could say more in fewer words than Smith. The following message from 1840 is a good example of what I’m talking about. Here is a gold mine of truth in a nugget. In these few words we find enough to occupy our mind for hours.
Though this promise was given to Jacob, it was not confined to him, but is intended for all his spiritual seed. It is thus God speaks to us this morning. How gracious! We know not what a day may bring forth, but we know our God, who superintends every event, will do us good. We may mistake as to what will be for our good, but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and therefore cannot. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, “All these things are against me!” But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgement: “It is GOOD for me that I have been afflicted.” Thy God will do thee good, therefore He will try thee, sift thee, humble thee, and prove thee. He will give thee medicine as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful, if necessary for thy soul’s welfare. Look at your trials, and say, “This also shall turn to my salvation.” Look on the past, and acknowledge, “Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.” Look to the future, and rejoice, “The Lord will give that which is GOOD.” Look in every direction, and say, “I will trust and not be afraid.”
I cannot doubt His bounteous love,
So full, so free, so kind;
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resign’d.
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
