Why Not Stick to Your Text
By Mrs. C. J. Goodwin
“ALL things work together for good.” “Yes, that’s a good text, and you surely believe it.” “Why, don’t you believe the Bible is inspired by God?” “Yes, but I don’t see how it could be for my good to upset that cut glass vase, and break it all to pieces. It was a present to Dora from an aunt that died. It cost more money than I could earn in two weeks, but Dora said there was no need in thinking of buying another, for it was given her by dead Aunt Lillie; later she told me not to feel bad, for she might have done the same thing herself. The lady who sews for Dora said Dora had never told her a thing about it. She later asked Dora if it could not be mended, who then said, ‘O, please do not mention it to Ella, for she feels so bad about breaking it!’ Really, I did not know how thoughtful Dora was; I wish I could treat with as much pity the children’s mistakes.” “You can, dear, if you allow the Lord to make you perfect in weakness. And right here let me say I think the broken vase is already working ‘together for good,’ both for you and for Dora. It has helped Dora to pity you more than her own loss, and it has shown you what grace can do, for before Dora was converted she was very impulsive and hasty; besides, it has caused you to long for more of the fruits of patience. ‘Tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience.’ When we learn to rejoice in tribulation, we can soon help impatient friends to find Christ, the source of all blessings, the One that causeth all things to ‘work together for good to them that love Him.’ Praise the Lord when things go wrong, and the mountains of difficulty crumble and fall. The trials will lighten, the pain ease, the lowliest hour soon pass into one of hope, if we praise the Lord with heart and voice for the manifold blessings that crown our life. ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good!’”