"The man who is challenged by Fate does not take umbrage at the terms," wrote Dag Hammarskjold. So the man called by Christ. Any terms at all are acceptable if we may be permitted to walk with Him.
"But is this the path, Lord? Must we take this one in order to reach Home?"
"Trust Me."
When the way to the house of the Lord leads through the "Valley of the Shadow," we accept those terms, too. If we suffer loss, scorn, misunderstanding, false accusation, or any other form of trouble, it is what we agreed on to begin with. Compared with the rewards promised, it is nothing; so let us not take umbrage. Let us be quite clear and matter-of-fact about it: "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer [cheer up!] I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33).
~Elisabeth Elliot, A Lamp For My Feet
Elisabeth's practical wisdom always hits home for me, and I found this emailed book excerpt to be exactly what I needed to read today.
"Did you not tell Me you'd go with Me all the way?"
"Yes, Lord. And I meant it...I just didn't know it would mean this."
"I am not taken by surprise, child. This is precisely My best for you, though you cannot understand it now. Trust Me, and keep following."
"In Your strength I will, Father...all the way."
Grant grace that I may follow Thee
All the way to Calvary...
All the way my Savior leads me,
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me,
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
~Fanny Crosby
(hear it on Youtube here)
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Hello Abigail!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouraging post! It was such a blessing! I enjoy reading your blog posts and your family updates so very much!
Have a cheerful and joyful day, delighting in Jesus!
Joyfully in Jesus, Elizabeth
This was very beautiful, Abigail! It is always comforting to be reminded that our Heavenly Father is not surprised by things that might stop us in our tracks and leave us reeling, or gasping for breath.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that I must consciously remember as well is that God is outside the bounds of time. So often I feel urgency, but His gentle hand restrains me, for He who sees the beginning from the end, who knows the hearts of men, and loves them more than I ever could, is Lord of all.
I can attest that my moments in the valley with my Shepherd--whether they last for years, or seem as fleeting as a thought--have produced the sweetest fruit. Even in the agony, I would do it all again because sometimes, when our way seems darkest, He is nearest. To partake in the fellowship of His sufferings is a priceless calling indeed.
Do not lose heart! He who has promised is faithful.