SUDDENNESS OF CHANGE

And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.-Mark 1:12   It seems a strange proof of Divine favor that this would happen. Notice the word “immediately”. Immediately after what? After the opened heaven, the dove-like peace, and the voice of the Father saying,”Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” But, that isn’t an abnormal experience. Often our deepest depression comes just moments after our greatest blessings. One moment we are like the song-bird singing heartily to greet the new day, the next moment we think God has forgotten us.   As strange as it seems, the very suddenness of this change is a proof of God’s constant care for us. The word “immediately” is used for a reason. We wonder why the burden comes so soon after the blessing, so God shows us it is the sequel to the blessing. God shines His blessings on us to prepare us for the tough places, as Christ faced Gethsemane and Calvary. God lifts us up so we may receive strength to go further down. He illuminates us so He might send us into the darkness of night, that we may help the helpless.   We are prepared for the wilderness of difficulty only after we have experienced the blessing that comes from surrendering ourself to the Father’s will. It is only after we behold the favor of God, shown to us on behalf of Christ, that we are ready to tackle the trials and temptations that come our way.   NOTE: This article is a crude adaptation of an article written by George Matheson, in old English, many long years ago. H.D.S.