Always of Good Courage by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1911

Always of Good Courage

By W. A. S.

It has been cheering to receive the words of courage from brethren in the mission fields during the recent time of shortage of mission funds, necessitating the deferring of plans for extension and calling for retrenchment. From all the four quarters of the earth have come expressions of confidence in the God who can save by few as well as by many.

Word was passed to India that long-cherished plans for the proper equipment of their medical training center would have to be still further deferred. The workers had confidently expected authorization to go forward with their plans. In reply, Dr. H. C. Menkel wrote from out of what we know was a keen disappointment:—

This is only one of those experiences that have a definite lesson for us; and we are able to realize more fully that this work is in God's hands, and that it depends not upon the effort of man to do the work, but upon God. And whatsoever he orders is best, not only for us who are directly connected with the movement, but for all people everywhere. We therefore have no reason whatever for feeling discouraged, but, on the other hand, we are waiting to see what the next move of the Lord will be. The longer I am connected with this movement, the more I am enabled to see that it is a wonderful provision of God that enables us to work out an experience of blessing, regardless of circumstances. It is wonderful, also, how the way of God's providence is adapted to meet all situations in all parts of the world as they arise.

It was just after speaking of being “pressed on every side,” “perplexed,” “pursued,” “smitten down,” meeting trials and difficulties and disappointments in pioneer missionary service, that the apostle Paul used the phrase, “Being therefore always of good courage.”

Our courage is in God; and he lives and reigns, always. It is cheering to see God's hand in favoring conditions. It is cheering also to know that God's hand is not shortened when conditions are unfavorable. In personal experience, or in the work of the cause of God, we must take our courage every day, fresh down from heaven, as a gift of God, and as a thing not springing up from surrounding conditions. We serve a living God, and one who cares for his work.

W. A. S.