One of the first biographies I read after becoming a Christian was that of Charles Spurgeon. His story amazed me and inspired me as a young preacher. What many people don’t know is that he had several physical ailments that forced him to take repeated leaves of absence trying to recover. This led to “fits of depression” as he called them. There were many times when it seemed that he wouldn’t be able to continue on in the ministry. Mr. Spurgeon died at the early age of 57, yet we still marvel today at all that he accomplished. I thought of this as I read the following devotion this morning. I hope you will give it some serious thought, and that you will be encouraged by it.
Preserved to Work’s End
“The LORD stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11).
Are you a witness for the LORD, and are you just now in danger? Then remember that you are immortal till your work is done. If the LORD has more witness for you to bear, you will live to bear it. Who is he that can break the vessel which the LORD intends again to use?
If there is no more work for you to do for your Master, it cannot distress you that He is about to take you home and put you where you will be beyond the reach of adversaries. Your witness-bearing for Jesus is your chief concern, and you cannot be stopped in it till it is finished: therefore, be at peace. Cruel slander, wicked misrepresentation, desertion of friends, betrayal by the most trusted one, and whatever else may come cannot hinder the LORD’s purpose concerning you. The LORD stands by you in the night of your sorrow, and He says, “Thou must yet bear witness for me.” Be calm; be filled with joy in the LORD.
If you do not need this promise just now, you may very soon. Treasure it up. Remember also to pray for missionaries and all persecuted ones, that the LORD would preserve them even to the completion of their lifework.
