God's Grace Sufficient.
By E. M. PRENTISS
PAUL was severely buffeted, and in his agony made three fervent applications to the Lord that his peculiar suffering might be removed, or in his own words, "might depart from him." God's wisdom permits his affliction to remain—perhaps to teach him lessons in humility and trust, but answers, "My grace is sufficient for thee." Paul felt that it was sufficient, and in the midst of distresses, rejoiced with a joy unspeakable. This gracious promise is of general application to all who suffer for Christ's sake—not alone to those who have suffered in past ages, nor yet is it reserved for some future emergency; but now, in our time of great need, when in our own weakness our hearts would be failing us through fear, does the Lord manifest himself full of grace and truth. Art thou afflicted, tempted and tried, or reviled, persecuted, oppressed, then the promise is to you. The Lord will overshadow and defend you. If perils threaten, and in weariness thou wander, remember that the promise of grace cannot fail and if we apply earnestly as did St. Paul, it will be sufficient for us. It will not only serve to sustain us, but our sufferings will be so sanctified by it that they will become powerful instruments of our happiness and we be enabled to glory in tribulation also. We should not ask him to remove our trials, he does not pledge to do this, but we shall not sink under them; our enemies will rise up, but shall not prevail against us. Oh blessed assurance! It seems to me that the apostle was brought into a blessed state of subjection to God, when he could say, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake;" and this may be the happy enjoyment of every believer. To attain this blest experience we should not shrink from trials, but rather welcome them as a means of grace; and as our own strength fails under them, God will support by his most powerful influence, and we shall find it fully able to thoroughly furnish us unto every good word and work.