"All Things Work Together for Good."
By Max Hill
"And we know that to them that love God, all things work together for good." Truly here is a promise that is precious to the children of God. How often it is quoted when trials come, by lips that speak the faith of the heart, tho often tremblingly. The soul grasps the promise and makes it true, believing that tho trials do come, the promise is sure. But read the remainder of the passage and see whether that is the idea of the promise: "Even to them that are called according to His purpose." And what is His purpose? Is it that there will never be a storm on the sea of life, nor a peril to the mountain-climber? A text or two will explain. "To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna." "And the God of all grace, . . . after that ye have suffered a little while, shall Himself perfect, establish, strengthen you." "For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory." Then "according to His purpose" means more than ease and comfort, more than easy sailing. When hard knocks come, know that they are a part of His plan to develop His children, and that they will work for good. Those who are "called according to His purpose" are called to trial and affliction, and to glory. Max Hill.