"Because He Trusts Us!"

Mrs. Cowman's classic devotional book, "Streams in the Desert", was my Mom's daily encourager as she raised me and my brothers. Married to a fisherman who had to be away from home often, much of the day-to-day parenting was left up to Mom to fulfill. We watched her pray and soak in God's Word and especially Mrs. Cowman's inspirational pen was her strong pal.

Years later, Mom's three sons would all become local pastors. The same writings Mom cut her spiritual teeth on, in time, also became ours. 

This page from "Streams in the Desert" has proven to be the most powerful page in the book in my estimation. So, here it is. (The Bible verse at the end especially explains so very much and rights so much bad theology in our world.)

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the ordeal that has come to test you....you are sharing what Christ suffered; so rejoice in it."(1 Peter 4:12.) 

MANY a waiting hour was needful to enrich the harp of David, and many a waiting hour in the wilderness will gather for us a psalm of "thanksgiving, and the voice of melody," to cheer the hearts of fainting ones here below, and to make glad our Father's house on high. 

What was the preparation of the son of Jesse for the songs like unto which none other have ever sounded on this earth? 

The outrage of the wicked, which brought forth cries for God's help. Then the faint hope in God's goodness blossomed into a song of rejoicing for His mighty deliverances and manifold mercies. Every sorrow was another string to his harp; every deliverance another theme for praise. 

One thrill of anguish spared, one blessing unmarked or unprized, one difficulty or danger evaded, great would have been our loss in that thrilling Psalmody in which God's people today find the expression of their grief or praise! 

To wait for God, and to suffer His will, is to know Him in the fellowship of His sufferings, and to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. So now, if the vessel is to be enlarged for spiritual understanding, be not affrighted at the wider sphere of suffering that awaits you. The Divine capacity of sympathy will have a more extended sphere, for the breathing of the Holy Ghost in the new creation never made a stoic, but left the heart's affection tender and true. --- Anna Shipton. 

"He tested me ere He entrusted me." (1 Tim. 1:12.) (Way's Trans.)

Did you get that? God tests us, yes, He allows us seasons of suffering even times of uncertainty, not because He's mad at us, but because HE TRUSTS US!

Holiness Unto The Lord!

Grateful