Lynn, Mass by A. S. Nason

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1879

Lynn, Mass

By A. S. Nason

Trust.

The Christian has no difficulty in exercising faith, and trust, when his sky is serene and cloudless, when there is no storm to fill his mind with doubt and fear. How strong he then feels, how secure. He feels that Satan can have no power over him. But let the scene change, let clouds arise, and the tempest burst upon him, and how soon, like sinking Peter, he cries out in dismay. Where are his strength and courage then? Alas! all gone, and he feels indeed powerless. But we must all stand the test of bitter trial. Jesus loves the hopeful trusting child. Why is it so hard to trust him entirely, fully. If he so loved the world that he gave his life for us, is he not mindful of all our woes, and will he suffer any ill to befall us that is not for our good? We may feel that if we could only control our own circumstances, we could make all just as it should be, and if we suffered, the fault would all be in somebody else, but how shall we be purified, made white, and tried, if it is not through suffering? Jesus knows just what we need, and he will suffer nothing to befall his humble, trusting followers, only what is for the best. No trial, no matter of what nature, will he permit us to pass through unless we need it. Then why not trust the dear Saviour, who is so kind, so full of mercy and pity, toward us. We want submission to the will of Christ. Here is the great difficulty. The natural heart does not feel willing to suffer. It rebels against trial. But what does rebellion cost? Only more bitter scourging. Oh! if we can only get our feet planted upon the rock of faith, take hold of the promises of God, and believe that he is leading us safely through storm as well as sunshine, that his will is our will, then it will be easy living. This is the only way to secure peace of mind and perfect rest. Jesus will give us this faith if we plead for it. He has bid us ask, that we may receive, that our joy may be full. He takes no pleasure in the repining, distrusting, disbelieving soul. He wants entire trust; withhold it not from him, poor, doubting child. Our leader is sure to conquer, then do not fear or tremble. Only let us cast ourselves into the blessed arms of Jesus and we are safe. Nothing can hurt us, nothing destroy.

“He who the end from beginning can tell. Works for thy good, for he doeth all well. This that prepares for the mansions of rest, Ever remember is all for the best.”

A. S. Nason.