I follow like a little blind child
(J.A. James, "The Practical Believer Delineated")
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"And we know that GOD causes everything
to work together for the good of those who
love GOD and are called according to HIS
purpose." Romans 8:28
Strong faith has a firm persuasion of
GOD'S over-ruling Providence--
so comprehensive as to include
the destinies of empires and worlds;
and so minute as to extend to individuals.
Strong faith believes that GOD'S Providence is . . .
ever active,
ever directing,
ever controlling, and
ever subordinating--
all things to HIS own purposes and plans.
Strong faith is a conviction of this great truth--
so deep, so satisfying, and so tranquilizing--
as not at all to be shaken by the chaotic
aspect of human affairs, or the prevalence
of gigantic evils.
A weak faith must give way before . . .
the deep mysteries,
the confounding events,
the defeats of what is good, and
the triumphs of what is evil--
which are perpetually going on
in our world's history.
The stream of Providence is . . .
so twisting,
so dark,
apparently so murky, and
occasionally so devastating;
that it requires strong faith believe
that it is the work of GOD and not of
chance; and that if it is the work of GOD--
it must be just, and wise and good.
In the darkest dispensations of Providence
affecting ourselves, strong faith realizes
that it is all from GOD; and must therefore
be wise, and just, and good.
To be able really say,
"It is well. I am sure it is right.
I cannot tell how it is right.
I do not understand why this deep
afflictive Providence came. I can find no
key to unlock the mystery. But I am as
confident that it is right, as if GOD'S whole
purpose were transparent to my reason, and
I could see the event in all its connections,
bearings, and results. I cannot see how or why--
but I believe that my deep affliction is for GOD'S
glory and my ultimate benefit. I know that GOD
causes everything to work together for good."
Faith assures us that the darker, the more
confounding, the more disappointing events--
are all right and just and good.
Strong faith walks on amid shadows
and darkness, grasping the arm of GOD,
believing that HE is leading us, and will
lead us right. Strong faith gives up all
into HIS hands, saying,
"I cannot even see a glimmering of light!
I cannot see where to place my next step!
But I can most implicitly trust in the wisdom,
power and truth of GOD!
I follow like a little blind child,
grasping the hand of his father!"
Times of great troubles and difficulties,
are seasons and opportunities for the exercise
of faith. GOD is always the Christian's best refuge--
and often his only one!
He is sometimes reduced to extremity and
is compelled to say,
"HE alone is my rock and my salvation!
My help comes only from the LORD!
No one else will help me--
no one else can!"
Sense and reason both fail.
No door of escape presents itself--
nor any way of relief. There is nothing
left for him to do, but to take up the promise
and carry it in the hand of faith, knock by
prayer at the door of mercy, and as he stands
there to say,
"Find rest, O my soul, in GOD alone!
My hope comes from HIM. HE alone
is my rock and my salvation!
HE is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Yes, LORD, YOU have bid me come, when
I could go nowhere else. And here according
to YOUR command and promise I will remain--
waiting, trembling, yet believing and hoping.
I am sure YOU will come and help me.
My heavenly FATHER knows the necessities
of HIS poor helpless child, and HE will come
in HIS own time, and in HIS own way, and
I will wait for HIM. My bread will be given me,
and my water will be sure."
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