In the same way, as our lives appear to ourselves - we see them when God is in the very midst of His work upon them. The work of sanctification is the process of bringing out the features of spiritual and divine beauty in human souls. And in this process, the Divine Artist oftentimes employs trials as His instruments. He first seems to destroy - but tribulation works patience. Many a man learns submission - when the Father's hand rests so heavily upon him that he cannot rise. Many a feature of beauty in the soul - is brought out in the darkness of affliction. The process seems to be destructive - but afterwards it yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness. Not at the time, but afterwards. When God finishes His work, it is beautiful and very good.
There was a time when the heart of Jacob was well-near crushed by an accumulation of adversities. Twenty years before, Joseph had been torn out of his arms and slain, as he supposed. Now Simeon was lying in a dark dungeon in Egypt, under the hand of a despotic master. And now Benjamin, too, was to be carried away. In the bitterness of his soul he cried out, "All these things are against me!" But these things were not against him - God had not yet finished His work. The final result had not yet been wrought out. All things seemed against him - but he lived to praise the Lord for all the strange providences which appeared so cruel at that hour. These were but the crude blocks out of which God was building up a beautiful home for his old age, and with which he was laying the foundation of future greatness and glory for his family. They were links in a golden chain of blessing.
So it ever is, "You do not know now what I am doing - but later you will understand." Wait until God has completed His work - and then all shall be well. You may see it even on the earth. Before you close your eyes in death - you may see the good brought out of the seeming evil of your life. But if not, if you die with the mystery still unsolved - then one moment in Heaven will explain all. Then you shall see all things completed. You shall see the web out of the loom - all its beautiful figures perfect, not one thread dropped or tangled. You shall see the temple finished - every brick in its place, and the whole adorned with glory. You shall see the picture when the artist has put the last touches to it - and when it appears no more marred and spoiled, as you thought it would be by so much trial - but perfect and beautiful, bearing in every feature the likeness of Christ.
Then you shall see all the dark providences of your life carried out to their final result. You shall see both the discipline - and its blessing; both the affliction - and its rich fruits; both the furnace fires - and the brilliant gold.
When the night comes on, when the mists and fogs darken the sky and hide the stars, and the vessel cannot be guided - the sailor drops his anchor and waits for the morning. In the same way, faith does in the hour of darkness and perplexity. It cannot see the good or the wisdom of the providences of life - but it knows that the hand of love is shaping them all, and that the end shall be blessing and glory! It knows that the morning will come, that the mists will clear away, and it may drop the anchor and wait for the day!
~J. R. Miller~
(The End)
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The Heart of Spiritual Maturity
People will ask, “What can I do to really grow as a Christian?” Often they are looking for a secret path to maturity—some action they can perform. But the true key to growing in your relationship with Christ isn’t based on service or knowledge or any other outward accomplishment the world tends to admire.
Genuine maturity and effectiveness hinge upon your heart relationship with the Lord, rather than something you can do for Him. When you understand this truth, your whole paradigm shifts. It puts all Christians on the same level, from the high-profile preacher to the quietest member of the church. The believer’s talents, accomplishments, and personality are far less important than the commitment to simply know God.
The Lord called David “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22 NIV). What was it about him that God valued so highly? He certainly had his share of mistakes, sins, and character flaws. Yet more than anything else, what characterized his life was that he sought to know the Lord. Whether he was a shepherd, fugitive, warrior, or powerful king, the time he spent with his heavenly Father was his lifeline. In psalm after psalm, David laid everything before the Lord—and wholeheartedly longed to do His will. This was his greatest strength.
Do you want to grow spiritually and be transformed in your everyday faith walk? Take a step beyond asking, “What can I do for God so that I can be a better Christian?” Instead, come before the Lord and say, “Here I am. You have full access to my heart.”
~T. Austin-Sparks~
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