The Triumphing of the Wicked Is Short
By Amelia A. Stebbins
“LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How LONG shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?” Ps. 94: 3, 4. These words have been the meditation of my heart for a time in the past in consequence of the deep trial which we, as a people, are passing through. But I look in the word of God, knowing that therein are found words of comfort and consolation to the desponding; and I cast my eye upon these words, which seem to impart new hope and courage to my mind. The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment. Job 20: 5. We know, according to the word of God, that the triumphing of the wicked is short. We meet the evidences daily. We see the Scripture fulfilling before our eyes. Yes, truly, we are living in perilous times—a time when Satan, the adversary, is going about, seeking whom he may devour; and, if it were possible, deceiving the very elect. He is very angry, knowing that his time is short. When he is defeated in one place, he will rush to another post. He rejoices if he succeeds in destroying one soul. But when trials and afflictions come, we have One upon whom we can lean. His help is sure. He will stand by us if we will but trust in him. Our Saviour did not leave his disciples without first imparting words of comfort to them. And we, down here in the end of time, can lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. Soon, if faithful, we shall receive the promised reward. Yes, soon, very soon, we shall drink of the ‘fountain of life,’ behold the ‘Lamb’ that was slain for us, and remain with him forever, even forever and ever; free from the toils and afflictions to which we are subject in this life; free from the temptation of the great adversary, with which we now have to contend. Is not this enough to inspire new hope and courage within us? We expect to pass through trials deep, and afflictions sore, before the close of time. We expect it; we are looking for it. If I am permitted to remain, I expect to behold it. But oh! shall I be able to stand? We feel that even now we are passing through severe trials, and indeed we are; but it is nothing in comparison to what is before us. A feeling of sadness, and deep mourning, has come over us. The Lord keep us, that we may profit by our afflictions, and come out as gold tried by the fire. Oh! that we may ever be enabled to walk honestly before the Lord, that if we are persecuted, it may be for righteousness’ sake. The Lord will have a pure people fitted up for his coming and kingdom. I feel truly that we are living in the sifting time. Oh, solemn thought! I fear and tremble lest I, too, may be sifted out. I feel to plead with the Lord more earnestly for more grace, strength, and courage, that I may be able to stand, and have a shield and shelter in the day of his great wrath upon the ungodly. The language of my heart to-day is, ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.’ Ps. 51: 10. I want to be cleansed and purified, my garments made white in the blood of the Lamb. And while I pray to be purified, I would not forget to ask for strength sufficient to endure the purifying process. I want to be at peace with my Lord when the solemn decree shall go forth: ‘He that is holy, let him be holy still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still.’ I feel that that time is very near at hand, much nearer than we realize. Dear brethren and sisters, let us take new courage, and begin now to serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. ‘Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.’ Ps. 124: 8. Truly, it will be but few that will be saved. The Lord help me, that I may be one of the few that shall overcome, and go through to the end. Your unworthy sister, striving to enter through the gates of the New Jerusalem and partake of the ‘tree of life.’ AMELIA A. STEBBINS.
Potter Co., Pa.