For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
How happy are tested Christians, later. There is no deeper calm than that which follows the storm. Who has not rejoiced in clear shinings after rain?
Victorious banquets are for well-accomplished soldiers. After killing
the lion we eat the honey; after climbing the Hill Difficulty,1we
sit down in the arbor to rest; after traversing the Valley of
Humiliation, after fighting with Apollyon, the shining one appears, with
the healing branch from the tree of life. Our sorrows, like the passing
hulls of the ships upon the sea, leave a silver line of holy light
behind them "later." It is peace, sweet, deep peace, that follows the
horrible turmoil that once reigned in our tormented, guilty souls.
Consider, then, the happy condition of a Christian! He has his best
things last, and therefore in this world he receives his worst things
first. But even his worst things are "later" good things, hard plowings
yielding joyful harvests. Even now he grows rich by his losses, he rises
by his falls, he lives by dying, and he becomes full by being emptied;
if, then, his grievous afflictions yield him so much peaceable fruit in
this life, what will be the full vintage of joy "later" in heaven? If
his dark nights are as bright as the world's days, what shall his days
be? If even his starlight is more splendid than the sun, what must his
sunlight be? If he can sing in a dungeon, how sweetly will he sing in
heaven! If he can praise the Lord in the fires, how will he extol Him
before the eternal throne! If evil be good to him now, what will the overflowing goodness of God be to him then?
Oh, blessed "later"! Who would not be a Christian? Who would not bear
the present cross for the crown that comes afterwards? But here is work
for patience, for the rest is not for today, nor the triumph for the
present, but "later." Wait, my soul, and let patience have her perfect
work.
She Who Is Without Sin
Today's Bible Verse...
The heavens declare the glory of
God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour
forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. —Psalm 19:1-2
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God's
voice is always speaking. His witnesses give testimony to his glory,
majesty, and creative grace. The universe shouts with joy that behind
its intricate beauty and paralyzing powers is the One who gave it life,
purpose, and intention.
My Prayer...
O Great God, Creator of the countless heavens and our own small blue planet, thank you for noticing the heart cries of one so small in a universe so large. I love you, admire you, trust you, and worship you with wonder. Be exalted in my life, my words, and my deeds this day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated
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