HIS work is yet on the anvil!
(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)
"GOD many times works contrary to
outward likelihoods. When the toll of bricks
was doubled for the Hebrew slaves--
who would look for deliverance?
As the sun going back ten degrees on
the sundial was a sign of Hezekiah's recovery--
so divine providence is to be read backward.
Joseph was made a slave--
that he might be made the deliverer
of the Hebrew people."
Thus have we found sickness
work for our spiritual health--
and poverty promote our spiritual
wealth. Our worst days, have turned
out to be our best days; and our low
estate has lifted us on high.
When storms come we may welcome
them, for they bring blessing on their wings.
But when our calm is long and deep, we
ought to be on our watch, lest stagnation
and disease should come of it!
Our adorable Redeemer bends all
things to HIS gracious purpose!
To judge HIS wise proceedings, is folly
and ingratitude. What can we know?
Especially what can we know
of HIS design and purpose--
while His work is yet on the anvil?
Our judgments at their best, are
only moderated foolishness.
We are neither prophets nor sons
of prophets; and if we were wise,
we would no more speculate upon
the results of HIS divine operations--
but firmly believe and patiently wait
until the providence comes to bloom,
and GOD becomes HIS own interpreter!
to work together for good to those who love
GOD, to those who are called according
to HIS purpose!" Romans 8:28
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