Time

metzgerl

Jul 29

Written by Miles Stanford (1914-1999), a Christian author.

It seems that most believers have difficulty in realizing and facing up to the inexorable fact that God does not hurry in his development of our Christian life. He is working from and for eternity! So many feel they are not making progress unless they are swiftly and constantly forging ahead. Now it is true that the new convert often begins and continues for some time at a fast rate. But this will not continue if there is to be healthy growth and ultimate maturity. God himself will modify the pace. This is important to see, since in most instances when seeming declension begins to set in, it is not, as so many things, a matter of backsliding. John Darby makes it plain that "it is God's way to set people aside after their first start, that self-confidence may die down. Thus, Moses was forty years. On his first start he had to run away. Paul was three years also, after his first testimony. Not that God did not approve the first earnest testimony. We must get to know ourselves and that we have no strength. Thus, we must learn, and then leaning on the Lord we can with more maturity, and more experientially, deal with souls.

Prayer:

Written by Winfield Bevins, a contemporary seminary professor.

Dear Lord, You are the Risen Christ, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, and the Everlasting Counselor. Grant us peace of mind and help our hearts to not be troubled during these difficult and uncertain times. Give us the strength and grace to trust you even when we cannot see the way. Remind us that you will never let us go and that you will always hold us in your everlasting arms of love. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.