God’s Deeper Dealings
Witness for Christ lies in self-condemnation according to the rule of the Word of God. Sinners are as many as the race of Adam; but a poor and needy sinner is a precious jewel in the sight of Christ.
We are not to gather from the angel’s feeding Elijah that God approved of his going to Horeb. (1 Kings 19)1 If God gives us good things when we are out of the way, we ought to see keen reproof in His very kindness.
God will put His faithful servants into the furnace to prove them and fit them for honour. (Gen. 39)2 Joseph was steadfast in obedience to God, and true to Potiphar in all things; yet his service to Potiphar ended in bonds and dishonour. Joseph in prison seemed forgotten of God; but God was faithful, and raised His faithful servant to promised honour, after fitting him for that honour by humiliation and suffering.
The cross of Christ brought in a new order of faith, so that now the children of God, when walking in obedience and simplicity of heart before God, should expect trials of faith like those of Christ. Did they settle this in their hearts, they would not be surprised at God’s giving them to drink of Christ’s cup, and to share His baptism: they would suffer gladly, remembering that the curse of the law cannot touch them.
If we walk in self-will and unbelief, the holy rebukes of the still small voice of the Spirit will not be heard; but if our hearts are listening, God will be ever teaching us by ways innumerable, - chiefly by the Holy Scriptures.