LORD, Make Me Ready To Tarry For The Vision.

The master-strokes of the Divine Artist!
(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883) 

"We would have speedy riddance of trouble--
but GOD does not think it fit to grant our request. 
Showers that come by drops and soak into 
the earth, are better than those which come 
in a tempest and hurricane!"

The gradualness and long continuance of a 
trial, which are its sharpness and bitterness--
are also, to a large extent, the causes of its 
usefulness. If the sharp affliction came 
and departed with a rush--
we would be rather swept away by it, 
than softened and saturated by its influence. 

To push a crucible among the glowing 
coals and snatch it out again, would 
answer no purpose in refining--
the metal must tarry in the furnace 
until the fire has done its work.

Perhaps the reader has long lived 
in the perpetual grip of affliction, and 
now feels himself to be quite weary 
of the endless torture. Let him not 
faint under the lengthened process--
the highest degree of benefit 
is accruing to him, from 
the continuance of his adversity! 

In the later part of a trial, every stroke 
brings forth a tenfold result, and operates 
with a greatly increased efficacy. It would 
be a pity for the LORD to stay HIS hand, 
when it is working with such special 
and marked result. All the preceding 
affliction has only worked the heart 
into a fit condition to receive the 
master-strokes of the Divine Artist! 

The foundational colors 
have hitherto been laid on--
but the second and finishing 
touch is now being given! 

Therefore, do not ask GOD'S hand 
to cease, but rather pray that its work 
may be carried on with power, and 
the LORD'S glory be seen in it all.

It will not cease raining yet--
and why should it, so long as 
the soil is being softened, saturated, 
and fertilized by the falling drops? 

Let patience have her perfect work--
and how can that be, useless 
the tribulation runs its full time?

LORD, make me ready to tarry for 
the vision, however long it may be 
delayed. YOUR way of trying me 
is the best. I would not hurry 
YOUR hand, if I could!

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

GraceGems has published William Nicholson's superb short article, 
"Death, the Believer's Gain!"