SUBMISSION by C. M. S.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1877

SUBMISSION

By C. M. S.

Submission is a common word, and is not supposed to be a mysterious one, yet in some cases much experience and learning are necessary for one to fully know its meaning. When a mere child, I heard the voice of my Saviour bidding me follow him. I tried to yield my heart wholly to him, yet at times I felt a drawing back, a fear of something indefinite. When overcome by such feelings, I was invariably taken in some snare.

Many times in deep trials the language of my heart has been like Jacob’s, “All these things are against me;” and I have wept and prayed to God to remove my troubles, and then had to wait and wait, until hope prolonged made my heart sick. But as soon as I quietly submitted my will to Jesus, caring above everything for his glory, the bitter cup was taken from me. Then it was evident that my Father had been dealing with me in love, and giving me lessons more valuable than fine gold.

But after all the assurances that God has given of his love and care for us, how apt we are to say, “Oh! I could bear any kind of trouble but this, the injustice and unkindness of friends.” We fail to see the hand of God in it, and allow ourselves to murmur. Jesus bore as much and much more, and was submissive. Can we not follow him? We do not know all the evil of our hearts as God knows it, and he will not permit us to have more affliction than is for our own

good; for he overrules all the powers of earth and hell. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Let us rejoice that we have the privilege of being in close relationship to the great Creator, also that we have the privilege of suffering with Christ and learning the sweet lessons of submission. C. M. S.