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Take Courage

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 9, 1872

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 39, No. 17.

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Take Courage.

By Emma E. Sturges

I KNOW the way at times seems dark to some of God’s dear children; the cross is heavy, and with tired feet and aching brow they anxiously inquire, “Why does my Lord delay his coming? I have been waiting these weary years, battling with the powers of darkness, able to keep my head above the clouds only as God has given me sustaining grace. I still toil on, but flesh and heart have well nigh failed me as I see that darkness still covers the land and gross darkness the people. The enemy ensnares one after another of my loved ones and I realize the truthfulness of the words, ‘There be few that be saved.’”
These waiting ones may well take courage now; these evil days plainly tell us that time is very short. “Behold we count them happy that endure.” This load of care, these bitter tears, the anxious yearning over precious souls, God will remember and reward. Jesus sojourned in this vale of tears and his was a life of sinless suffering. But with what patient grace he endured all! Look, weary, burdened one to him. “He will strengthen thine heart.” We shall soon get home; there we shall see Jesus. Let us not then shrink from being baptized into the suffering part lest we fail of obtaining an entrance into his presence where is fullness of joy, and at whose right hand are pleasures forevermore.
My dear young friends, think of the glories and beauties of our “Father’s house,” of the great white throne, and of him who sitteth thereon, of the jasper sea, of the harps, the crowns, of the song of the redeemed which angels cannot join in singing, and of eternal life in Christ’s kingdom. Can you not choose now to give up all of the pleasures and vanities of this world for an inheritance with those that endure to the end? It is the watching, fighting, waiting time now, but just beyond is the reward. Gird on the armor anew. Resolve in the strength of God to go through. None ever seek God with all their hearts and seek in vain. It is our privilege to hold communion and fellowship with the Father, and daily grow in grace until we become perfect in Christ Jesus. Let us seek this with all our hearts.
EMMA E. STURGES.
Fairfield, Conn.