The Promises Are to the Victor.
By R. F. Cottrell
DIFFICULTIES and obstacles are in our way; and so it will continue to be. It will never be smooth, and easy sailing Heaven-ward. It is not an easy task for human nature to overcome all the obstacles in the way of its perfection and salvation. But he that overcometh shall inherit all the promises. It is never to be expected that the difficulties will take themselves out of the way; but they must be met and conquered. The conqueror will be rewarded. If there was nothing to overcome, there would be no propriety in a promise to the overcomer. If we would labor in the Lord’s vineyard, we find a multitude of hindrances; and it is a grief that we cannot do all that we would. But it is useless and vain to mourn over these things. If we would meet the approval of Heaven, instead of lamenting that we cannot do more, we should earnestly labor to do what we can. “She hath done what she could,” was the highest commendation possible. None can expect more. He will be a conqueror or overcomer who does what he can. Then let us do all that we can, despite the hindering obstacles, and He who judges by the prompting motives, and not by the apparent amount accomplished, will say, Well done. Courage in the Lord! In a little while the victors will be crowned. We can conquer in the strength which will be given. By faith lay hold on the help from above, do what we can, and we shall be accounted victors at last. How sweet the approving welcome, “Come ye blessed,” when the conflict is past and the labor is done. There is resting by-and-by. Thank God for the hope of victory.