“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure ; but he for our profit , that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby .” Heb. 12:10-11
We are not in this world merely to do a certain work — but to be fashioned into beauty of Christly character. If we would always remember this, we would not be so perplexed by the mysteries of our lives.
If joy is ours — it is to make us a greater blessing to others.
If sorrow is ours — it is to bring out Christ’s image in us more clearly.
If our hopes are disappointed — it is because God has some better thing for us than that which we so earnestly desire.
If we are called to endure pain — it is because the best in us can be called out only by pain.
If bereavement comes and we are left without the human arm we have leaned upon — it is because there are elements of strength in our life which never could be developed unless the human support were removed.
If our burdens are heavy — it is because we grow best under burdens.
If we suffer wrong — it is to teach us better the great lessons of meekness, patience and sweet temper.
Always the Master is making us into the beauty of the holy pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service.–J R Miller, 1907
Not knowing what we might have to face each day, we would do well to start each morning reflecting on this promise–“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”.(Rom. 8:28)
