Suffering is a part of the process by which the children of God are sanctified. They are chastened to wean them from the world, and make them partakers of God's holiness. The Captain of their salvation was made perfect through sufferings, and so are they. There never yet was a great saint who had not either great afflictions or great corruptions. Philip Melancthon said it well: "Where there are no cares, there will generally be no prayers." ~ J.C. Ryle
My grace is sufficient for you: "You need look to no other quarter for help, relief, or comfort. Jesus assures you that His grace is sufficient. You are welcome to it. You are exhorted to have it. To be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. It is sufficient to support you under every privation, to help you over every difficulty, to strengthen you for every duty, to mortify every lust, and to fill you with all joy and peace in believing. His grace is almighty, it is free, it is durable, it brings salvation. Look not at difficulties, dangers, or thy own weakness; but look to the free, powerful, and promised grace of Jesus. Go to His throne of grace this morning, on purpose to receive grace for this day; go every day, and whenever you feel weak, timid, or cast down. His grace was found sufficient for Paul, for the martyrs and saints, in the deepest trials, and it will be found sufficient for thee. He says, "I am the Lord thy God; open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Come boldly to the throne of grace, that ye may obtain mercy and find grace to help you in time of need. Every one that asketh receiveth." O Jesus, make good Thy word in me!" James Smith
From Grace Gems: The following in an excerpt from James Smith's Autobiography, when he was 28 years old
Another sharp stroke! My little daughter Ann was in good health on Monday--and on Thursday she was a corpse! She died just two months after her sister Mercy. But the words of the Patriarch came to silence and humble me, "If He snatches someone in death--who can stop Him? Who dares to ask: What are You doing?"
I fear I loved her too much, for she was a beautiful child. Well, she is gone--and I must follow her, nor can I tell how soon.
"The Lord gave--and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!" Job 1:21
From Grace Gems: The following in an excerpt from James Smith's Autobiography, when he was 28 years old
Another sharp stroke! My little daughter Ann was in good health on Monday--and on Thursday she was a corpse! She died just two months after her sister Mercy. But the words of the Patriarch came to silence and humble me, "If He snatches someone in death--who can stop Him? Who dares to ask: What are You doing?"
I fear I loved her too much, for she was a beautiful child. Well, she is gone--and I must follow her, nor can I tell how soon.
"The Lord gave--and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!" Job 1:21
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