Reliance upon God by Jos. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 19, 1879

Reliance upon God.

By Jos. Clarke

There is no calling in human life which can be successfully pursued without reliance upon God, and especially is this grace needed in endeavoring to follow in the footsteps of Christ. The pathway of life may be bright before those whose trust is secure in God, however they may be humbled by misfortune, or may suffer from disease.

Nothing is more impossible than for the carnal heart to serve God acceptably; and many times he takes ways which seem strange to us, to change the current of our thoughts, and draw our affections from earth to Heaven: but we should ever remember that he is our kind Benefactor, as well as our Judge, and that the way he appoints is best for us. Our songs of joy may sometimes be turned to sorrow, but this sorrow eventually brings forth fruit more to be desired than all the treasures of earth. Death may enter the household, and the strong, the noble, and the promising one be cut down suddenly—in a moment; but it is when the heart is burdened with sorrow which no human aid can relieve, that we learn how precious is divine assistance. Trials and afflictions help us to unbar the door of our hearts, and invite the Comforter in, bringing joy and peace which the world can never afford, and teaching us patience, and humility, and tenderness of heart.

Jos. Clarke.